FETAL DEVELOPMENT (LIFE WITHIN THE WOMB )
Before a woman knows she is pregnant the embryo has begun its growth inside its mother. The following development facts are given in weeks after conception e.g. if the embryo is 3 weeks old it has been 5 weeks since the first day of the mother's last menstrual period. If she is on a regular monthly cycle she is probably one week past her expected period (she is termed "5 weeks pregnant.") See Pregnancy page.
- at conception - the baby's sex, hair and eye colour have been determined
- 3 weeks - the heart starts beating
- 4 weeks - backbone and muscles are forming; arms, legs, eyes and ears begin to show
- 5 weeks - five fingers can be discerned on each hand; the eyes darken
- 6 weeks - brain waves can be recorded, nose and mouth begins to show
- 7 weeks - mouth opens, lips and tongue are noticed, fingerprints can be taken, begins to move
- 8 weeks - called a fetus now, it responds to touch, stomach produces digestive juices, kidneys begin to function, now a little more than an inch long
- 9 weeks - fetus will curve its fingers around an object placed in the palm of its hand; eye development is complete, has taste buds and is developing vocal cords
- 10 weeks - fetus squints, swallows and wrinkles its forehead; ears are almost fully developed; now 1 1/2 inches
- 11 weeks - at 2 inches long, fetus can urinate and hiccup; face has assumed a baby's profile and muscle movements are becoming more co-ordinated
- 12 weeks - fetus sleeps, awakens, exercises, turns head, curls toes, opens and closes mouth, makes a fist
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13 - 14 weeks - at 3 inches long, sexual differentiation can be noted, fine hair
begins to grow on head, mouth, nose and external ears are completely developed
- the cut-off date in Victoria for abortions is 20 weeks
- 16 - 18 weeks (4 months) - fetus has eyebrows and eyelashes, can hear sounds inside and outside its mother, turns somersaults, yawns and stretches, has finger and toe nails, kicks and punches hard enough for mother to feel1
- 21 - 22 weeks (5 months) - fetus is about 12 inches long; responds to sound by jumping in reaction to it; all systems are becoming more complex and maturing
- 27 - 28 weeks (6 months) - if born now and given proper care, could survive outside the womb
Just time and nourishment are needed to ready the fetus for its entry into the world!
Citations:
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To view photos of the ages described below, simply hover your mouse over the links. |
107-1505 Admirals Road
Victoria, British Columbia
V9A 2P8
e-mail:
info@optionspregnancy.org
phone: 250-380-6883
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All Rights Reserved
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