1. Implantation. This is when the zygote implants itself in the uterus and marks the beginning of the embryonic stage. This occurs sometime between day 6 and day 12.
zygote implanting in uterine wall
2. By the end of Week 6, the embryo is about half an inch in length and a heartbeat is sometimes audible through a vaginal ultrasound.
3. By the end of the 8th week, the embryo is the size of a bean. Bones are forming, and muscles can contract. Everything present in an adult human is also present in the embryo.
embryo at 8 weeks
4. Usually during week 14, the fetus gains the ability to suck. This is very important as this is the skill they will need as soon as they are born to gain their nutrients from their mother.
fetus at 14 weeks
5. By the end of week 16, fingerprints have developed. The fetus' movements may be felt as flutters by the mother.
6. By the end of Week 20, the embryo is about 8" long, and weighs about 12 ounces. Vernix, a white pasty substance protects the skin from amniotic fluid. The most exciting thing at this stage is that the heartbeat can usually be hear by a stethoscope placed on the abdomen.
7. One of my most exciting stages of pregnancy was after the 20th week, when the ultrasound is usually performed to check the baby's health and, if the mother wishes, determine gender.
My daughter's ultrasound during week 20 of my pregnancy
8. By the end of the 26th week, the baby could survive with medical technology if born at this time. Sleep and wake cycles have begun to develop. The fetus is about 14" long, and weighs about 2 1/4 pounds.
9. By the ends of the 36th week, the baby usually rotates to the head down position in preparation for birth.
10. Anytime during weeks 38-40 is considered full term. The baby is usually ready to be delivered. The average newborn is 19-21 inches long, and weighs 6 3/4 -10 pounds.
Images were used from these locations
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