Fetus Development Month by Month

After fertilization occurs in the womb, the fetus will continue to develop from month to month. The development of the fetus every month is different, both in terms of size, body organs that are formed, and physical abilities. Understanding fetal development is expected to help ensure the condition of his health. In the first four weeks of pregnancy, you may not feel any symptoms. The only sign of pregnancy that you might feel is that your period is late. Although symptoms in early pregnancy are rarely felt, the fetus in the womb has begun to develop since conception.

Fetal Development in the First Trimester

The following stages of fetal development in the first trimester of pregnancy or the first three months:

• First month

After fertilization, the initial stages of embryonic development are zygotes. Zygotes will go to the uterus and form morula, which are groups of cells that look like raspberries. Furthermore, morula will go through several stages of embryonic development. In the first month, the amniotic sac has formed to protect the embryo by wrapping it tightly. The physical fetus also begins to form in the first month, marked by the appearance of areas like dark circles on the face which later develop into the eyes. Physical development also includes the lower jaw and mouth, and the throat that grows on the inside. In addition to the physical fetus, the placenta also begins to form in the first month. Embrio gets nutrients from the mother which is distributed through the placenta. This flat rounded organ also functions to channel impurities from the fetus. Although the embryo is only 6-7 mm in size, blood circulation has begun. This is marked by the formation of blood cells.

• Second month

In the second month, bones have started to form. Central nervous system networks have also formed, which are the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve tissue. In the fifth week, the heart begins to form, in unison with the circulatory system. On both sides of the head forming small folds as the forerunner of the ear. The face continues to grow. In addition, the initial form of growth of the hands and feet grows. The size of the embryo at the end of the second month is about 2.5 cm, weighs 9.5 g, with the head measuring one-third the size of the entire body.

• Third month

In the third month, the internal organs begin to develop. The liver starts producing bile, the urine system starts working, the circulatory system also starts operating. Actually reproductive organs have begun to expand, but gender can not be ascertained even though examined through ultrasound examination. The fetus's body has formed more fully, which already has arms, hands, legs, feet, ears, and began to form teeth. The fingers and nails have also begun to form. The fetus can open its mouth and clench its fists. The body length of the fetus in the third month is 7.5-10 cm, weighing 28 g.

Fetal Development in the Second Trimester

Entering the second trimester of pregnancy, you have begun to hear the fetal heartbeat during pregnancy examination. The fetus's sexes are growing and you can begin to feel the movements.

• Fourth month

At this time, male fetuses already have a prostate and female fetuses have started to show follicles in the ovaries. Fetal bone is increasingly developing. In the head there is a visible hair pattern. Meanwhile, on the face, the eyes are facing forward and begin to move. The position of the ear is also in place. The fetus's mouth begins to suck. The length of the fetus at 14 weeks reaches 85 mm, weighing about 40 g.

• Fifth month

The entire fetal skin is covered with a white layer as a protective from amniotic fluid. This white layer will be released by itself for a moment when the fetus will be born. The fetus's muscles have developed in the fifth month, and the fetus can begin to move to train the muscles. Hair has grown on the head. Fetal backs and shoulders are also covered with fine hair, which will disappear by the second week after the baby is born. The length of the fetus at the end of this month is 160 mm.

• Sixth month

The fetal eyelids are clear and the eyes can open. Veins appear through the skin of the fetus, because the skin has appeared with a thin texture and wrinkles, with a reddish color. Fetal pulse can increase, as a sign that the fetus responds to stimulation, especially when hearing sounds from outside. The fetus's fingers and toes are clearly visible. In this month, the length of the fetus is generally around 190 mm, weighing 460 g.

Fetal Development in the Third Trimester

When entering the third trimester of pregnancy, you usually can not wait to see your baby's face immediately. This is the development of the fetus when entering the last trimester.

• Seventh month

The fetus can respond to light, feel pain, hear sounds, and change postures. Fetal hearing begins to develop and the body begins to store fat. In the seventh month, fetal length reaches 36 cm, weighing 900-1,800 g.

• Eighth month

By the eighth month, the inside of the fetus has developed better. The part that is formed but not perfect, is the lungs. Parts of the brain develop more rapidly than the previous month. Body fat reserves will increase along with the aging of the fetus. Babies move more actively characterized by a firmer kicking motion. At this time, the length of the fetus is 46 cm, weighing 2.27 kilograms (kg).

• Ninth month

The body of the fetus at this time, both inside and out, is more perfect. The eyes and ears can function properly. The fetus is also more sensitive to stimuli in the form of touch and light. Parts of the lungs are almost perfectly developed. The length of the fetus has reached 46-51 cm, weighing approximately 2.5-3.2 kg. The fetus is preparing to be born with a movable position, the head facing the birth canal and the body occupies the lower part of the mother's pelvis.

During monitoring fetal development from month to month, you also have to maintain health. You can consult a doctor to monitor matters relating to pregnancy disorders, as well as plan how the labor process that will be lived later.