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The pregnancy period is divided into three trimesters. The first trimester begins from the first week and continues till the 12th week. The second trimester has its duration from 12 to 24 weeks and the second trimester goes from 24 to 40 weeks. But the development of the baby occurs in every week
Week 1
During first week the cells split into two after thirty hours conception. Till the third day the cell (zygote) divides into 16 cells. On the fourth and fifth day the zygote migrates to the uterus from the fallopian tube and on the last day of the week the zygote which is now known as blastocyst plants itself into the plump uterine lining (endometrium).
Week 2
On the second week the baby has grown as much as the size of the grain or rice. The process of diving cells goes on rapidly which is the basis of forming the various body systems.
Week 3
The slowly developing neural tube finally become the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
Week 4
The baby, now an embryo is around 3mm in length. By this stage, a special hormone is secreted to avoid mother from having menstrual period.
Week 5
From this stage the heartbeats, the embryo develops its placenta and amniotic sac. To get oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream the Placenta burrows in the uterine wall.
Week 6
The embryo measure1.3cm in length. The head is disproportionately big and the fast growing spinal cord looks like a tail.
Week 7
The embryo’s liver makes the blood cells. The formation of eyes, mouth and tongue occur and the tiny muscles help the embryo to move about.
Week 8
All the body organs are formed and the embryo now known as fetus embryo is now known as a fetus, which is about 2.5cm in length. The hands and feet which initially looked like nubs or paddles, now developed into toes and fingers and the brain is active.
Week 9
Further development of heart, Teeth are budding inside the gums. The tiny heart is developing further.
Week 10
Decipherable fingers and toes, but still stuck together with webs of skin.
Week 11
The fetus moves about quite vigorously which is more than 7cm. Proper time for The "Combined test" an indicator of major disabilities in the baby and Down syndrome if any.
Week 12
The fully developed eyes have fused. Eyelids are fused over the fully developed eyes. The baby has vocal chords and so can cry mutely. The nails of the fingers and toes are growing. Sometimes it may start sucking its thumb
Week 14
The muscles develop further, and the baby's movements as it swims and kicks are more coordinated.
Week 16
Now the fetus is about 14cm in length. Further development takes place, the eyebrows and eyelashes have emerged the tongue has developed taste buds. An ultrasound is commonly taken on the 18 week to determine position of placenta, multiple pregnancy and abnormalities if any. A Routine “maternal serum screening” is done during this time to help check the risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Amazingly, the fetus often gets hiccoughs.
Week 20
The fetus has grown 21cm in length. The finger tips now have prints and the ears are functioning making some stifled sounds from outside world audible for the baby Now with the help of an ultrasound scan, The genitals of the baby can be distinguished
Week 24
This week the fetus has grown up to 33cm in length. Now the fused eyelids have separated into upper and lower lids helps the baby to open and shut the eyes. The baby’s soft skin is covered by fine hair known as lanugo and a waxy secretion forming a protective layer (vernix).
Week 28
The fetus is around 37cm in length. The growing body with large head, the body of the baby is in more proportion
Week 32
Almost fully grown baby spends most of its time sleeping. The movements of the baby are rapid. It assumes head down position i.e. the beginning of the procedure of birth.
Week 36
The baby is now 46cm in length. It has most likely nuzzled its head into its mother's pelvis, ready to take birth. If the baby takes birth during this period the baby will have the bright chances of surviving. There will be rapid growth of the lungs with further development over the next few weeks.
Week 38
The baby is now on the final stage of taking birth, which is now 51cm in length. It is considered that the baby secretes hormones that generate the beginning of labor.
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