Fetal Development

Germinal Stage
When sperm fertilize a zygote, this stage starts. The zygote then divides several times
as it moves down the uterus. The placenta and blastocyst, which later grow into the
embryo and eventually the fetus, are formed during this division process. The menstrual
cycle is stopped as the body begins to prepare for pregnancy.

First Trimester

Month 1
Weeks 1-2

Hormones are released by the body in preparation for pregnancy.

Ovulation takes place by the conclusion of the second week. Pregnancy starts
when sperm and egg cell come together.

Embryonic Stage
The blastocyst starts to exhibit human traits during this stage, which lasts from the third
to the eighth week of pregnancy. Heart cells begin to beat, and important organs and
limbs begin to form. During this phase, morning sickness frequently begins.

Week 3
Fertilization happens, creating a zygote.
Week 4
A blastocyst is created by cells that implant into the lining of the uterus. The
amniotic sac and placenta start to develop.

Month 2
Week 5
The neural tube forms, and the heart tube pulses at 110 beats per minute by the
end of the week.
Week 6
Buds for arms and legs develop, blood cells form, and circulation starts.
Structures for ears, eyes, and mouth take shape. A pulse can be detected via
ultrasound.
Week 7
Bones replace soft cartilage, and genitals start to form. The embryo’s head is
large compared to its body.
Week 8
Major organs and systems develop. The embryo has webbed hands and feet,
visible eyes, and forming ears. The umbilical cord is fully developed, transporting oxygen
and blood.
After the 8th week, the embryo is referred to as a fetus until birth.

Fetal Stage
During this stage, the embryo develops into a fetus and lasts until birth, usually around
the ninth week. Notable bodily components and organs continue to grow, as do smaller
structures like fingernails. You can feel the fetus moving, and this is when most of the
growth happens.

Month 3
Week 9
Teeth and taste buds form, muscles develop, and the body appears more
human. The head is still half the body’s length. The heartbeat is detectable via
ultrasound.
Week 10
Arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes are fully formed. Nails and external ears
develop, and external genitals begin to form but are not yet visible on an ultrasound.
Week 11
Bodily movement is observable. Knees, elbows, and ankles function but are not
yet usable. Bones harden, but the skin remains translucent. Facial features become
more prominent.
Week 12
All organs, limbs, bones, and muscles are present and continue to develop to
become fully functional. The circulatory, digestive, and urinary systems work, and the
liver produces bile. The fetus drinks and pees amniotic fluid.
Second Trimester

Month 4
Week 13
Vocal cords form, and the head grows proportionately to the body.
Week 14:
The skin thickens, fine hair grows, and the fetus can bring its fingers to its mouth
and turn its head. External genitals are fully developed, and fingerprints form.
Week 15
Some organs, like intestines and ears, move to their permanent locations. The
fetus practices breathing with amniotic fluid, and lungs begin to develop. Purposeful
movements like thumb-sucking and smiling start.
Week 16
The fetus has developed lips and its ears can now hear your voice. Although its
eyes remain closed, the fetus can react to light by turning away from it.

Month 5
Week 17
The fetus’s skin is still thin but will begin to accumulate fat. A whitish coating
called vernix covers the skin, protecting it from prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid.
Week 18
The fetus is covered in lanugo, a fine, peach fuzz-like hair that helps keep it
warm and provides additional protection. The fetus may start to have a sleep-wake
cycle, and loud noises can wake it.
Week 19
The fetus is getting stronger, and most people can start to feel its kicks and
punches. It also develops unique fingerprints and can hiccup.
Week 20
The fetus’s nails grow to the tips of its fingers, and the brain area responsible for
the five senses begins to develop.
Month 6
Week 21
Limb movements become coordinated and frequent. The fetus’s bone marrow
starts producing blood cells.
Week 22
The fetus’s grasp strengthens, allowing it to touch its ears and the umbilical cord. It can
hear your heartbeat, stomach rumbling, and breathing.
Week 23
If born prematurely, the fetus may survive with intensive care. It begins to rapidly
gain body fat.
Week 24
The fetus’s lungs are fully developed but not yet capable of functioning outside the
uterus.

Month 7
Week 25
Increased body fat makes the fetus’s skin less wrinkled and plumper. The
nervous system matures quickly.
Week 26
The fetus produces melanin, giving color to its skin and eyes. The lungs start
making surfactant, which helps with breathing after birth.
Week 27
The fetus can open its eyes and blink, and it has eyelashes.
Week 28
The fetus may begin turning head-down in preparation for birth. By the end of the
seventh month, it measures about 14 to 15 inches long and weighs between 2 and 3
pounds.
Third Trimester

Month 8
Week 29
Kicks and jabs may feel more like pokes as the fetus gets cramped in the
amniotic sac.
Week 30
The fetus can regulate its body temperature. Its brain matures and grows
rapidly.
Week 31
The fetus can process more information and stimuli, showing more distinct sleep
and wake patterns.
Week 32
The fetus’s skin is no longer translucent. Most organs, except the lungs and brain,
are well-formed and ready for birth.

Month 9
Week 33
The fetus’s bones harden, except for the brain, which remains soft to facilitate
birth.
Week 34
The vernix coating on the fetus’s skin thickens.
Week 35
The brain continues to grow but still weighs only two-thirds of what it will at birth.
Week 36
The fetus loses its lanugo and grows hair on its head.

Month 10
Week 37
The fetus’s toenails reach the tips of its toes. You may feel the fetus drop into your
pelvis.
 Week 38
The fetus gains about 0.5 pounds per week to reach its final size.
Week 39
The fetus is full-term and ready for birth.
Week 40
It’s your due date week. Contact your pregnancy care provider if you notice any
signs of labor.

How Do People Get Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Sexual contact, especially oral and vaginal sex, can spread STIs. Additionally, some STIs
can be transferred from mother to child through nursing and childbirth. Body fluids like blood
and semen, which contain the parasite, bacteria, or virus causing the infection, are how they
are transmitted.