Fetal Development
Month by Month
First Month
•By the end of thefirst month, theembryo is about1/10 of an inchlong. The heartbegins to beat.Critical stage forbrain and spinalcord development.
First Month
Two Months
•The embryo is about¼ inch long andhas distinct, slightlywebbed fingers.Veins are clearlyvisible. The bonesbegin to form.
Two Months
Three Months
•By now the fetus is 1inch long and fingersand toes are almostcomplete. He hasbegun swallowing andkicking. All organs andmuscles have formedand are beginning tofunction.
Four Months
•Your baby is about 3inches long, weighs1 ounce and cansuck his thumb. Hisheartbeat can beheard clearly. This iswhen you may feelyour baby's firstkick.
4 months
Five Months
•A protective coatingbegins to form onbaby's skin. By the endof this month, your babywill be nearly 8 incheslong and weigh around½ a pound. Hair,eyelashes, andeyebrows appear.
Six Months
•Size: about 8-10inches and 8-12ounces. He hasstarted breathingmotions. If you talkor sing, he can hearyou.
6 Months
Seven Months
•By the end of theseventh month, yourbaby weighs about 2pounds and isabout 12 incheslong. His body iswell-formed.Fingernails coverhis fingertips
Eight Months
•Your baby is gainingabout half a poundper week, andlayers of fat arepiling on. He hasprobably turnedhead-down inpreparation for birth.He weighs between4 and 6 pounds.
Nine Months
•As ninth monthbegins, your babyweighs between 5-6pounds andmeasures between17 and 18 inches.As he becomesmore crowded, youmay feel him movearound less.
