 Development of the baby occurs in three stages: Zygote – fertilized egg in the fallopian tube Embryo- fertilized egg, planted in endometrium Fetus- fertilized egg at 7 weeks and beyond

 Once a month and ovum is released Ovum- A female egg  The egg moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus Uterus-Where the baby develops during pregnancy  If not fertilized it disintegrates and is flushed away with menstruation

 If the ovum is in the fallopian tube at the same time a sperm is present- conception occurs  This union is what called a zygote!

 Fertilized egg reaches the uterus and attaches itself to the uterus.  Cell multiplication begins  Internal organs and circulatory system begins to form.  Cell Division takes place and at the end of two weeks the zygote is the size of a pin-head  Heart begins to beat at 28 days  Small buds show the suggestions of arms and legs

4 Weeks Measures about ¼ inch long At this point, you cannot distinguish between an embryo of a pig, cow or human Suggestion of eyes Three parts of the brain are already formed Lungs and thyroid gland are developing

 At 5 weeks the embryo is 1-1 1/2 inches long  All major organ systems develop  Amniotic Fluid surrounds the baby  Face, and limbs take shape, arm buds and legs buds  The placenta and umbilical cord are developing placenta- the tissue that connects the sac around the unborn baby to the mother’s uterus umbilical cord- the tube that connects the baby to the placenta, the purpose of this cord is to bring the baby nourishment and oxygen from the mother’s blood and takes away waste products

6 Weeks – Brain waves are evident 7 Weeks – Spine and nervous system are forming 8 Weeks – Limbs are forming

 The fetus is about 3 inch long  Nostrils, mouth, lips, teeth buds, and eyelids form  Fingers and toes are almost complete   Eyelids are fused shut  Arms, legs, fingers, and toes have developed  All internal organs are present—but aren’t ready to function  The genital organs can be recognized as male or female

11 Weeks – skin is evident muscular development sufficient enough to open and close mouth gender is detectable from the genitals bone marrow makes blood cells 12 Weeks- measures about 3 inches long movement can be felt

 Fetus is 8-10 inches long and weights 6 oz.  The fetus is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo.  Heartbeat can be heard clearly.   The fetus can swallow and hiccup.  Face has human features  Mother may feel movement at the end of this month

15 Weeks- Can detect light and dark 16 Weeks – Has eyebrows and eyelashes 18 Weeks – Can open and close its mouth, swallow and can suck its thumb!

 The fetus is about 12 inches long and weighs 1 pound.  A protective coating called vernix begins to form on baby's skin.  Hair eyelashes and eyebrows appear  Organs keep maturing  Fetus is very active, can move arms and legs freely  The eyes can open and close  The fetus has fingerprints and footprints

 The fetus is 14 inches long and weighs – 1 ½ pounds  The baby's lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, and has started breathing motions.  The fetus may kick and cry  The baby can detect sound, talking and/or singing  Fat is starting to deposit under the skin

 Fetus is 16 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds  Fetus is active and then rests.  The baby now uses the four senses of vision, hearing, taste and touch  Fetus can kick and cry  Hand can grip

 The fetus is 16-17inches long and weighs 2-3 pounds  Layers of fat are piling on.  Fetus has probably turned head-down in preparation for birth.  Fetus may react to noises with a jerking action

Weighs about 4 pounds Hair is growing Gaining about ½ pound of body weight per week Could be born at this stage and have a high survival rate Organs may be able to function on their own

 Fetus is about inches long and weighs 6-7 pounds  Skin is smooth because of the fat  Baby’s movement slows down due to lack of room  “Lightening” occurs when the baby drops in the pelvis  Disease fighting antibodies are taken from the mother’s blood  The last two systems to develop are the respiratory and digestive

 What about twins? identical or fraternal?  What if the feet or buttocks are first in the birth canal?  Does it hurt when the umbilical cord is cut?  What makes an “innie or an outie” on your belly button?  What about the placenta?