Download File - Baby growth in the womb

Development
of Babies in
the Womb
There are steps in development
A baby’s development begins in
the womb. There are three
trimesters, during which development
occurs. There is the first trimester,
the second trimester, and the third
trimester. Each trimester is around
three months. During the set of
weeks and even individual weeks
within the trimesters development
occurs.
The development of a baby
First Trimester
The first trimester
is an important
trimester. The baby
begins its growth
and develops.
Weeks 1-4
The first trimester begins with fertilization, the
pre-embryonic stage, and formation of the
embryo. Fertilization will occur within the second
week and by the third week the egg is fertilized
and completely fused to the uterus wall. Between
weeks three and four, cells in the embryo multiply
and form three separate layers each with their
own purpose.
The Endoderm Layer
The first layer is the
endoderm and it will
consist of the baby’s
gastrointestinal tract
and endocrine glands.
The Ectoderm Layer
The second layer is the
ectoderm. The
ectoderm will become
the skin as well as the
nervous system.
The Mesoderm Layer
The third and final layer
is the mesoderm. This
layer will develop into
the connective tissues,
circulatory system,
skeleton, and muscles.
End of the First Month
Weeks 5 - 8
During week five specialized cells develop that will become the vital
organs such as the heart, brain, liver, spinal cord, and kidneys. Facial
features begin to appear and indicate the start of ears, eyes, and a
nose. Week six comes and organs still continue to develop. The
formation of a rudimentary mouth initiates. In the conclusion of the
sixth week the embryo has a heartbeat. Refinement of nervous
system occurs during week seven. The brain attains ten nerve pairs
and five areas of specialized cells. Nerves are in the process of
fashioning in the newly forming muscles. Facial features deepen and
limb buds exhibit. Paddle shaped appendages known as embryonic
hands and feet become evident.
Fetus at week 6
Week 9 – 14
The anatomy becomes more
recognizable between weeks nine and
ten as the features become more
distinct. Reproductive and urinary
organs form. From weeks eleven to
fourteen the fetus has a profile. Eyelids
are fused shut and the jaw can move.
The Second Trimester
The second
trimester is one
of refinement.
The organs and
everything else
Weeks 15 - 18
The second trimester begins with
weeks fifteen to eighteen. The
fetus looks human and all major
organs are functioning. The fetus
can stretch, move, and the gender
can be identified. Hair known as
lanugo grows on the head. The
first feces accumulate in the
bowl.
Weeks 19 - 22
As weeks nineteen to twenty-two pass the
fetus will grow bigger. Muscles will get
stronger and dentine forms on the teeth. The
immune system begins developing and
antibodies can be detected. A sleep-wake cycle
is established. Eyelashes, nipples, and
eyebrows appear. Vernix, a natural lotion,
begins to coat the skin.
Second trimester
Weeks 23 - 27
From weeks twenty-three to
twenty-seven the body becomes
proportional. Feet and fingerprints
form and the hands can make
grasping motions. The fetus is
more active and can sense sound
and some light.
Third trimester
The third trimester is
one of rapid growth.
The baby will grow
tremendously in
preparation for being
born.
Weeks 28 - 30
By week twenty-eight and till week thirty, the
third trimester begins. The fetus will fill out
and its weight can increase up to five-fold.
Nostrils open and respiration becomes more
rhythmic and coordinated. Alveoli form inside
the lungs and make it possible for the fetus to
correctly breathe. The fetus breathes
amniotic fluid and expels it to stimulate
development. The fetus will react to outside
sounds and the eyes will open and close.
Week 28
Weeks 31 - 40
Weeks thirty-one to forty bring
the final developments and
refinement of everything and
the body temperature
regulates. When week forty
comes the baby should be born,
if it is not already, and begin its
development outside of the
womb and in the world.
Baby at birth
Citation
•Preston, Penny. What Every Mother Needs to Know
about Her Baby's First Year. Portland, ME: Ronnie
Sellers Productions, 2006. Print.
•Truman, Lucy. The Birthing Cycle: What a Woman
Needs to Know about Her Pregnancy. Portland, Me.:
Ronnie Sellers Productions, 2004. Print.
•"Fetal Development Week by Week." BabyCenter.
BabyCenter LLC, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2013.
<http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-weekby-week>.