The document summarizes the key stages of human fetal development from conception through the three trimesters of pregnancy. In the first trimester, the placenta and umbilical cord begin to form and major organs start to develop. By the second trimester, the fetus grows significantly in size and all organs and structures have formed, though further maturation is still needed. In the third trimester, the fetus continues growing and maturing its organs and systems in preparation for birth.

1. Human Fetal Development
By : Claudia Fils-aime

2. First Trimester
Months One Through Three

3.  The baby is the size of a pea.
 Shortly after implantation the placenta and
umbilical cord begins to form.
 The baby is in a sac of water, to protect the
fetus from bumps and pressure.
 Spinal cords and bones from the vertebrae start
to from.
 The heart and eyes from ; the arms and legs
form buds.
 Your baby has a head and a trunk.
Month One

4.  The baby is 1-1/8 inches long
 The heart can now function.
 The eyes, nose, lips, tongue, ears, and teeth
are beginning to form.
 If your baby happens to be a male the
penis will start to form.
 Your baby is starting to make movement
but isn't felt by the mother yet.
Month Two

5.  Your baby is 2-1/2 to 3 inches long and weighs
about 1/2 to 1 ounce.
 Your baby is now recognizable.
 Nails start to develop and earlobes are formed.
 Arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes are
fully formed.
 Eyes are almost fully developed.
 Baby has developed most organs and tissues.
 Baby's heart rate can be heard at 10 weeks
with a Doppler.
Month Three

6. Second Trimester
Months Four Through Six

7.  Your baby is 6-1/2 to 7 inches long.
 Weighs about 6 to 7 ounces.
 Your baby can begin sucking, swallowing, and or even
sucking their thumb.
 Tooth buds are developing.
 Sweat glands are forming on palms and soles.
 Fingers and toes are well defined.
 Gender is identifiable.
 Skin is bright pink, transparent and covered with soft,
downy hair.
 Although recognizably human in appearance, the baby
would not be able to survive outside the mother’s body.
Month Four

8.  Your baby is 8 to 10 inches long.
 Weighs about 1 pound.
 Hair begins to grow on baby’s head.
 Soft woolly hair called lanugos' covers
baby’s body. Some may remain until a
week after birth when it is shed.
 Mother begins to feel fetus move.
 Internal organs are maturing.
 Eyebrows, eyelids and eyelashes appear.
Month Five

9.  Your baby is 11 to 14 inches long.
 Weighs about 1-3/4 to 2 pounds.
 Eyelids begin to part and eyes open
sometimes for short periods of time.
 Skin is covered with protective coating
called vernix.
 Baby is able to hiccup.
Month Six

10. Third Trimester
Months Seven Through Nine

11.  Your baby is 14 to 16 inches long.
 Weighs about 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 pounds.
 Taste buds have developed.
 Fat layers are forming.
 Organs are maturing.
 Skin is still wrinkled and red.
 If born at this time, the baby will be
considered premature and require special
care.
Month Seven

12.  Your baby is 16-1/2 to 18 inches long.
 Weighs about 4 to 6 pounds.
 Its growing quickly.
 Brain growth occurs at this time.
 Most body organs are now developed, except
for the lungs.
 The baby’s kicks are strong enough to be visible
from the outside.
 Kidneys are mature.
 Skin is less wrinkled.
 Fingernails now extend beyond fingertips.
Month Eight

13.  Your baby is 19 to 20 inches long.
 Weighs about 7 to 7-1/2 pounds.
 Lungs are now mature.
 Baby is now fully developed and can
survive outside the mother’s body.
 Skin is pink and smooth.
 The baby settles down lower in the
abdomen to prepare for birth and may
seem less active.
Month Nine