Fetal Development timeline, Emma Pruett

By Redmana

  • Ovulation

    Ovulation
    Each month a group of eggs is recruited from the ovary. The eggs develop in a small fluid-filled cysts called follicles. Usually one follicle in the group is selected to complete maturation. The mature follicle opens and releases the egg from the ovary. Ovulation generally occurs about two weeks before a woman's next menstrual period begins.

  • Month 1

    Month 1
    The size is about the size of a grain of rice and the weight is unknown.
    Development: Egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. It is a critical stage for brain and spinal cord development. Internal organs and circulatory system begin to form. The heart begins to beat.

  • Month 2

    Month 2
    Size: About 1/4 inch long as month begins.
    Weight: unknown
    Development: Face, eyes, ears, and limbs begin to take shape. The bones begin to form.

  • Month 3

    Month 3
    Size: About 1 inch long as month begins.
    Weight: Unknown
    Development: Nostrils, mouth, lips, and eyelids form. Buds for all 20 baby teeth appear. Fingers and toes are almost complete. All organs present but still immature.

  • Month 4

    Month 4
    Size: About 3 inches long, weighs 1 ounce as month begins.
    Development: Can suck its thumb, swallow, hiccup, and move around. Facial features become clearer.

  • Month 6

    Month 6
    Size: About 8-10 inches long, weighs about 8-12 ounces as month begins.
    Development: Fat deposits under skin, but fetus appears wrinkled. Breathing movements begin.

  • Month 7

    Month 7
    Size: About 10-12 inches long, weighs about 1 1/2-2 pounds as month begins.
    Development: Has periods of activity followed by periods of rest and quiet.

  • Month 8

    Month 8
    Size: About 14-16 inches long, weighs about 2 1/2-3 pounds as month begins.
    Development: Rapid weight gain continues. May react to loud noises with a reflex jerking action. Moves into head-down position.

  • Month 9

    Month 9
    Size: About 17-18 inches long, weighs about 5-6 pounds as month begins.
    Development: Weight gain continues. Skin becomes smooth as fat deposits continue. Movements decrease as the fetus has less room to move around. Acquires disease-fighting antibodies from the mother's blood. Descends into pelvis, ready for birth.

  • Conception:egg and sperm

    Conception:egg and sperm
    Conception occurs when the sperm fertilizes an ovum in the Fallopian tube, The ovum usually lives 12-24 hours. The sperm can live 48-72 hours. Pregnancy begins at this time.

  • Month 5

    Month 5
    Size: About 6 1/2-7 inches long, weighs about 4-5 ounces as month begins.
    Development: Hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows appear. Teeth continue to develop. Organs are maturing. Becomes more active.