After fertilization occurs in the uterus, the fetus will continue to develop from month to month. The development of the fetus every month is different, both in terms of size, organs formed, and physical abilities. Understanding the development of the fetus is expected to help ensure its health condition.
In the first four weeks of pregnancy, you may not feel any symptoms. The only sign of pregnancy that you may feel is a missed period. 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 or first three months of pregnancy:
- First monthAfter fertilization, the initial stage of embryonic development is the zygote. The zygote will go to the uterus and form a morula, which is a group of cells that looks like a raspberry. Furthermore, the morula will go through several stages of embryonic development. In the first month, the amniotic sac has been 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 resembling dark circles on the face which later develop into the eyes. Physical development also includes the lower jaw and mouth, as well as the throat that grows on the inside. In addition to the physical fetus, the placenta also begins to form in the first month. The embryo gets nutrients from the mother which are distributed through the placenta. This flat, round organ also functions to channel waste from the fetus. Although the new embryo is 6-7 mm in size, blood circulation has already started. This is marked by the start of the formation of blood cells.
- Second monthIn the second month, bones have started to form. The central nervous system network has also been formed, namely in the form of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. In the fifth week, the heart begins to form, along with the circulatory system. On both sides of the head form small folds as the embryo of the ears. The face continues to grow. In addition, early forms of growth of hands and feet began to be seen. 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 of the size of the whole body.
- Third month
In the third month, the internal organs begin to develop. The liver begins to produce bile, the urinary system begins to work, the circulatory system also begins to operate. Actually, the reproductive organs have begun to develop, but the gender cannot be ascertained even though it is examined through ultrasound examination. 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 be able to hear the heartbeat of the fetus during the prenatal check-up. Your baby's genitals are growing and you're starting to be able to feel its movements.
- Fourth monthAt this time, the male fetus already has a prostate and the female fetus has started to show follicles in the ovaries. Fetal bones are developing. On the head already visible hair pattern. Meanwhile, on the face, the eyes are facing forward and are starting to move. The position of the ear is also in place. The fetus' mouth begins to suck. The length of the fetus at 14 weeks reaches 85 mm, weighing about 40 g.
- Fifth month
The entire skin of the fetus is covered with a white layer to protect it from amniotic fluid. If the amount of amniotic fluid decreases, then this condition can interfere with the health of the fetus. This white layer will be released by itself shortly when the fetus will be born. Fetal muscles have developed in the fifth month, and the fetus can begin to move to train muscles. On the head has grown hair. The back and shoulders of the fetus 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 monthFetal eyelids are clear and the eyes can be opened. Veins appear through the skin of the fetus, because the skin has appeared with a thin and wrinkled texture, with a reddish color. The fetal pulse may increase, as a sign that the fetus is responding to stimuli, especially when hearing sounds from outside. The fingers and toes of the fetus are also clearly visible. In this month, the length of the fetus is generally about 190 mm, weighing 460 g.
Fetal Development in the Third Trimester
When entering the third trimester of pregnancy, you usually can't wait to see your baby's face. This is the development of the fetus as it enters the last trimester.
- seventh monthThe fetus can respond to light, feel pain, hear sounds, and change body position. The baby's hearing begins to develop and the body begins to store fat. In the seventh month, the length of the fetus reaches 36 cm, weighing 900-1800 g.
- eighth monthIn the eighth month, the inside of the fetus has developed better. The part that has been formed but not yet perfect, is the lungs. Parts of the brain developed more rapidly than the previous month. Body fat reserves will increase with increasing age of the fetus. Babies move more actively marked by a faster kicking motion. At this time, the length of the fetus is 46 cm, with a weight of 2.27 kilograms (kg).
- ninth monthThe body of the fetus at this time, both outside and inside, is more perfect. The eyes and ears can function properly. The fetus is also more sensitive to stimuli such as touch and light. The lungs are almost fully developed. The length of the fetus has reached 46-51 cm, with a weight of approximately 2.5-3.2 kg. The fetus is ready to be born in a shifting position, namely the head is facing the birth canal and the body occupies the lower part of the mother's pelvis.
While monitoring the development of the fetus from month to month, you must also maintain your health. You can consult a doctor to monitor matters related to pregnancy disorders, and plan how the delivery process will be carried out later.