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When does the baby start feeding off you


When does the placenta form, and what does it do? Learn all about the placenta.

One of the many remarkable things about pregnancy is that you're not only growing a new human being, but also an entirely new organ. And pretty much everything your baby needs to develop and thrive flows through it. Find out all about the amazing placenta, including when it forms and what it does. 

What is the placenta?

The placenta is a pancake-shaped organ that develops within the wall of your uterus and connects to your baby though the umbilical cord. By the end of pregnancy, it grows to be about 9 inches in diameter and about an inch thick at the center.

What does the placenta do?

  • It delivers oxygen and nutrients (such as vitamins, glucose, and water) from your body to the baby's, and processes the waste products from your baby.
  • It produces the hormones that help your baby grow and develop.
  • It allows antibodies to pass to your baby from your bloodstream. These antibodies protect against certain bacterial infections and viral illnesses, like diphtheria and measles, until after your baby is born and old enough to get their first vaccinations.

When does the placenta form?

The placenta starts forming as early as six days after fertilization. At this point your baby-to-be is a hollow ball of several hundred cells called a blastocyst. The blastocyst attaches to the lining of the uterus, usually near the top. This is called implantation, and it's completed by day 9 or 10.

The wall of the blastocyst is one cell thick except in one area, where it's three to four cells thick. In the thickened area, the inner cells develop into the embryo. The outer cells throughout the embryo burrow into the lining of the uterus and develop into the placenta.

The placenta produces several hormones that help maintain the pregnancy, including human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone continuously. (Home pregnancy tests measure levels of hCG in your urine.)

The placenta is fully formed by 18 to 20 weeks but continues to grow throughout pregnancy. At delivery, it weighs about 1 pound.

How the placenta works

The placenta connects to the umbilical cord through thousands of microscopic "fingers" of tissue (chorionic villi) containing a network of blood vessels that connect to the embryo's circulatory system. The villi are formed by 6 weeks of pregnancy, and your blood fills the spaces around them by 12 weeks. When your blood comes in contact with the villi, nutrients are exchanged for waste through the villi walls.

The villi also act as a filter, preventing some viruses and bacteria from reaching your baby, while allowing molecules of everything you ingest as well as antibodies and gases to pass through.

How do babies get nutrients in the womb?

Your baby needs nourishment from the get-go. Until the placenta is developed enough to provide nutrients, your baby receives nutrients from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. (These same endometrial cells will quickly multiply to form the placenta.)

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In the early weeks of pregnancy, glands in the uterine lining secrete glucose, which it stores as glycogen. At first, this glycogen is the only source of nourishment for your baby.

At about 8 to 12 weeks into pregnancy, the placenta takes over as a nutrient source for your baby. (And at this point the uterus stops secreting glycogen.) Here's how it works:

  1. When you eat, the food travels to your stomach, where it's broken down (digested) into glucose, fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
  2. The nutrients are absorbed into your bloodstream and travel to the placenta.
  3. Blood vessels in the umbilical cord pass the nutrients from the placenta to vessels that flow from the umbilical cord to the baby. At this point, your baby will begin to gain weight more quickly. The umbilical cord also returns waste products from your baby to the placenta and into your circulation for elimination.

Wondering how fast the food you eat reaches your baby? It depends on how quickly the food is digested and enters your bloodstream. Some foods may take several hours, while substances like caffeine can enter your bloodstream and cross the placenta in a very short time. For more information, watch our video on how food reaches your baby.

Harmful substances that cross the placenta

Along with all the good things that are transferred to your baby, some harmful ones can cross the placenta too. These include alcohol, nicotine, and illegal drugs as well as some medications.

No safe level has been established for alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and experts recommend not drinking any amount while you're expecting. The same goes for smoking and using illegal drugs. Although marijuana is legal in some states, experts recommend against using it during pregnancy.

Use caution when taking prescribed and over-the-counter medications during pregnancy because most cross the placenta. Although many medications are considered safe for your baby, a few are known to cause birth defects. And for many drugs, there simply is not enough research to know their effects on an unborn baby. Your provider can help you determine whether the benefits of a certain drug outweigh the risks in your case.

Although the placenta acts as a barrier to most bacteria, some viruses and small bacteria can cross it. Many have no effect, but others can be harmful to a developing baby. That's one reason why it's important to get all recommended vaccinations before and during pregnancy, including a flu shot and a Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Both the flu and pertussis can be life-threatening for babies, and getting these vaccines while you're pregnant enables antibodies to pass through the placenta that will protect your newborn from catching these illnesses. Getting your COVID vaccine and boosters will help protect you from infection and will also provide your baby with antibodies through the placenta (and your breast milk, if you breastfeed).

Here are a few other things you can do to promote a healthy placenta and a healthy baby:

  • Go to all your prenatal checkups and work with your healthcare provider to manage any health conditions, such as high blood pressure, which can cause problems with the placenta.
  • Don't smoke or use drugs. Placental problems, like placental abruption, are more common in women who smoke, use illegal drugs (like cocaine and heroin), or abuse medications (like opioids).

Delivering the placenta

A few minutes after your baby is born, the placenta detaches from the wall of your uterus and is delivered through your vagina. This is called the "afterbirth."

You'll have a few contractions, but this stage of childbirth usually lasts only about five to 30 minutes and feels more like menstrual cramps than labor pains. (If you're having a c-section, your doctor will remove the placenta manually.)

If you want, and if you've made prior arrangements with your provider, you can save the placenta. Some women believe that encapsulating and eating the placenta after birth helps them recover faster, though there's no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Also note that some experts think eating the placenta may be harmful, as there are potential risks, including infection and heavy metal contamination. Be sure to discuss this topic with your provider if it's something you're considering.

Learn more:

Placenta previa

Placenta accreta

Slideshow: Fetal development, week by week

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How your baby develops week to week

See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts

  1. 1. The first 8 weeks
  2. 2. Week 9 to 16
  3. 3. ​​Week 17 to 24
  4. 4. Week 25 to 32
  5. 5. Week 33 to 40

The first 8 weeks

The first 2 months are when your body gets ready for the changes that pregnancy brings. It’s also the time when your baby’s brain, heart, bones, blood vessels and organs develop.

The sex of your baby and colour of their hair are determined when you conceive and before you even know you’re pregnant.

Every pregnancy is different

Every woman and every pregnancy are different. Sometimes things may happen for you a little earlier or a little later than for other mums to be. This is normal, so try not to worry.

First 4 weeks

By the end of the first week:

  • if you conceived naturally, the fertilised egg (also called a blastocyst) has made its way along your fallopian tube and attached itself to the lining of your womb
  • if you had assisted conception, the fertilised egg will already have been planted in your womb

When the blastocyst's strongly fixed to the lining of your womb it’s called an embryo. It’s about the same size as a full stop.

The cells on the outside of the embryo start to link with your blood supply, so your baby can get everything they need to grow. This link develops into the placenta, which is attached to your baby by a cord.

How your baby's growing

Your baby's growing at a faster rate than at any other time in your pregnancy, but they’re still difficult to see without a magnifying glass.

Your baby’s spine starts to grow very early in your pregnancy – often before you know you’re pregnant.

Folic acid

Folic acid (folate) helps:

  • your baby’s spine to develop
  • prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida

If you’re not already taking folic acid, now's the time to start.

More about taking folic acid in pregnancy

Week 5 to 8

Your baby’s spine starts to grow very early in your pregnancy – often before you know you’re pregnant.

Folic acid

Folic acid (folate) helps:

  • your baby’s spine to develop
  • prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida

If you’re not already taking folic acid, now's the time to start.

More about taking folic acid in pregnancy

Week 5 to 8

How you baby grows from week 6 to week 9 Public Health Scotland

By week 5 to 8 you may start feeling:

  • very emotional as pregnancy hormones start to kick in - this is common and it’s normal to feel low one minute and happy and excited the next
  • very tired - some women feel more exhausted in early pregnancy than at any other time

You may start feeling sick around week 6 – although some women go through pregnancy without feeling sick at all.

More about morning sickness

Look after your mental wellbeing

It's just as important to look after your emotional wellbeing as it is your physical health. It's okay to not feel okay about being pregnant.

There's lots of help and support for mums to be and partners, so you don't need to manage alone. Talk to your partner, midwife or a friend about how you're feeling and get help if you need it.

How your body's changing

You may start noticing:

  • your hair getting thicker
  • some foods can start to taste different, and what you like or dislike may change
  • you need to go to the toilet more often - your womb's now twice the size it was and is pushing on your bladder
  • your breasts feel heavy and tender as they start developing the tissue that will make and store your breast milk

How your baby's growing

Your baby's still tiny but growing quickly. They grow from the size of an apple pip at week 5, to about the size of a raisin at week 8. They’re starting to look a bit like a tadpole, but the tail will disappear and become the bottom part of their back.

Your baby's growing from 3 layers:

  • the first layer becomes the nervous system and brain
  • the second layer will be the major organs, such as the digestive system and lungs
  • the third layer will be the heart, blood system, muscles and skeleton

By week 5 their heart and blood vessels are just starting to form.

By week 7 their heart's started to beat. Tiny buds are developing that will become their arms and legs.

By the end of the week 8, your baby has tiny hands and feet with webbed fingers and toes, and their lungs have started to grow.

Your baby's movements

Your baby's floating inside the amniotic sac (bag of waters) which will protect them throughout pregnancy.

They may start to move around now, but you won’t feel any movement for a while yet.

More about how your baby moves

Week 9 to 16

By week 9 you don’t look pregnant yet, but your waistline may be changing and your breasts are probably getting bigger.

Now's a good time to get measured for a new bra to make sure you’re getting enough support.

How your baby's growing

Your baby:

  • is about 2.5 cm long from the top of their head to their bottom
  • has eyelids, but they'll stay closed for a few weeks yet

The ends of their arms and legs are starting to look like hands and feet.

Measuring your baby

Your midwife will measure your baby's growth at each antenatal visit.

To do this, they'll measure your tummy from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your bump. This is called the fundal height. They might also do a growth scan.

The measurements are put on a chart and checked to make sure your baby's growing well.

Week 10 to 11

By week 10 and 11 you’ll probably feel hungrier than usual because it takes a lot of energy to grow a baby.

Most women have an ultrasound scan about now, so you’ll be able to see your baby for the first time.

More about early pregnancy scans

How your baby's growing

Your baby is about 4 cm long from head to bottom and weighs about the same as a large grape.

Their:

  • arms and legs are getting longer
  • elbows bend
  • fingers and toes are beginning to lose their webbing
  • heart's fully developed and beating, but your midwife can’t hear it yet
  • head will look big compared with the rest of their body – but don’t worry, their body will catch up

Week 12

Your baby at week 12 and 16 Public Health Scotland

By around week 12 some women start to get a small bump.

Screening tests in pregnancy

At about this time, you’ll probably be offered some tests and checks for you and your baby. Your midwife will help you make decisions needed.

More about screening tests in pregnancy

How your baby's growing

Your baby:

  • will have their own special fingerprints
  • can wave their legs and curl their fingers and toes, but you won’t feel this yet
  • will have 20 little buds which will become their teeth

Fetal growth restriction

Sometimes antenatal checks pick up that a baby's smaller and lighter than they should be for the stage of pregnancy. This is called fetal growth restriction.

Most small babies are born healthy and grow into healthy children, but if they do have fetal growth restriction they'll need extra care during pregnancy.

More about fetal growth restriction

Week 13 to 14

By week 13 and 14 if you’ve had morning sickness it should be starting to get better, but for some women it carries on longer.

You may start to see a dark line appearing from your tummy button to your pubic hair. This is called the linea nigra.

How your baby's growing

Your baby is about 7 cm from head to bottom and now looks much more like a baby.

Their:

  • ears have developed but they can’t hear yet
  • liver, kidneys, digestive system and lungs are all developing

They now get all the energy and nutrients they need from you through the placenta.

Week 15 to 16

By week 15 and 16 you may have that pregnancy glow, and your:

  • hair looks thicker
  • skin's more plumped out
  • bump's probably starting to show
  • usual clothes will feel tight

You might just have started to feel your baby move inside you, although this doesn’t usually happen until later.

If you had been feeling sick this should start to pass. Your breasts should feel less tender too.

How your baby's growing

Your baby’s body is growing fast to catch up with the size of their head.

They:

  • have fine, downy hair called lanugo on their body that will go before they’re born
  • can suck their thumb
  • can move all of their arms, legs and joints

​​Week 17 to 24

By week 17 and 18 you may be able to:

  • hear your baby’s heartbeat when your midwife examines you
  • feel your baby moving around (it may feel like bubbles or wind)

Your baby's probably kicking and moving around a lot, especially at night. Don't worry if you can’t feel anything yet.

How your baby's growing

Your baby's about 13 cm from the top of their head to their bottom.

Their taste buds are beginning to form.

Week 19 to 20

Your baby at week 20 and 24 Public Health Scotland

You’re halfway there, so it may be now that it really sinks in that you’re going to be a parent.

You may feel:

  • soreness (pain) in your back
  • more tired
  • hungrier, so have healthy snacks like fruit or nuts ready

Non-urgent advice: Speak to your midwife if:

  • you feel slightly out of breath, as this may be a sign of thromboembolism.

You might also feel your baby kick and move, though if you allow someone to put their hand on your tummy they might not be able to feel it.

You’ll be offered a second ultrasound scan at about this time.

More about mid-pregnancy scans

Scotland’s Baby Box

The Baby Box is a welcome gift for every baby born in Scotland. It can help you get ready for the arrival of your baby and gives them a safe and comfortable place to sleep if safe sleeping guidelines are followed.

Your midwife will help you register for a Baby Box when you’re about 20 to 24 weeks pregnant.

More about the Baby Box

How your baby's growing

By week 20 your baby's about 25.5 cm from head to toe and very active.

They can grasp with their hands, and their:

  • second teeth are beginning to form behind the first ones
  • body starts to be covered with a white sticky substance called vernix, which forms a greasy waterproof layer on their skin

Week 21 to 22

As your baby grows, and your bump gets bigger, some women have difficulty sleeping. This may cause a bit of absentmindedness or forgetfulness. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Some women also:

  • get indigestion – speak to your midwife if this is troublesome
  • have the odd leak of urine – so now is also a good time to start pelvic floor exercises if you haven’t already

How to do pelvic floor exercises

How your baby's growing

Your baby weighs about 500g, and:

  • their eyebrows and eyelashes are growing
  • they can hear sounds both inside and outside your body - if you chat to them they’ll get to know your voice and they might kick in response or quieten down to listen

Week 23 to 24

By week 23 and 24 it's normal for some women to have:

  • backache
  • varicose veins
  • constipation
  • leg cramps

You might also:

  • develop skin tags (little bits of extra skin) at places where your clothes rub - these are nothing to worry about
  • have rashes or spots
  • find that your nipples, freckles and moles get darker

More about common health issues in pregnancy

Sleeping

From 24 weeks you should start going to sleep lying on your side. Don’t worry if you wake up lying on your back, just roll on to your side again.

It doesn’t matter if you lie on your right or left side.

How your baby's growing

Your baby:

  • has skin but no fat (so they’ll look a bit wrinkly) - they're going to quickly put on weight over the next 4 weeks
  • can hear well and can make out noises such as a rumbling stomach and your heartbeat, and outside noises such as music, voices and the vacuum cleaner

You should feel your baby move every day from about week 24.

More about your baby's movements

Week 25 to 32

By week 25 and 26 you’ll be walking differently because your centre of gravity's changed. Your feet, ankles and fingers might be swelling too, so sit with your feet up whenever you can.

It's normally perfectly safe to have sex when you're pregnant, but you and your partner might find that your desire for sex changes.

Sleep on your side

In the last 3 months of your pregnancy, go to sleep lying on your side. Don't worry if you wake up lying on your back, just roll onto your side again. It doesn't matter left or right side.

How your baby's growing

Your baby’s:

  • practising making breathing movements, but their lungs aren’t completely developed yet
  • moving about a lot, which might feel like rolling, jabs or stretching

Everyone's different, so:

  • get to know what your baby's movements feel like
  • try to work out when your baby's most active, so you can get to know what they’re doing and how much they’re moving

Your baby’s movements

If your baby's moving less or the pattern of their movements has changed it could be a sign of a health issue.

The sooner you pick up these changes, the sooner you can get the right treatment if there's something wrong.

Urgent advice: Phone your midwife or maternity unit immediately if:

  • you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped

Week 27 to 28

Your baby at week 28 and 32 Public Health Scotland

At week 28 you’re into your third trimester.

Because your baby's aware of voices, you and your partner or family members can talk, sing and play music to them. Finding a quiet time to do this helps you to bond with your baby and your baby feel safe and secure.

Braxton Hicks contractions

A Braxton Hicks contraction is when you feel your abdomen tightening for about 30 seconds, several times a day. This can easily be mistaken for labour, but they're different from labour contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions can start happening from around week 28 onwards.

More about Braxton Hicks contractions

How your baby's growing

Your baby’s chances of surviving outside the womb are increasing week by week.

They're:

  • developing some fat and muscle, and look less skinny
  • beginning to remember things

They might begin to open and close their eyes, and can:

  • turn their head towards a bright continuous light
  • smell, taste and hear more as their brain's growing quickly

Week 29 to 30

By week 29 and 30 some women are uncomfortable lying down at this stage. If you’re finding it hard to sleep, try a cushion between your knees or at your side.

If you’re getting backache as your baby grows, try some gentle massage and make sure your posture's good.

How your baby's growing

Your baby's:

  • about 40 cm from head to toe
  • making breathing movements more regularly, and may surprise you if they've hiccups

The fine hair (lanugo) covering them may be starting to fall out.

Week 31 to 32

By week 31 and 32 you may have indigestion or feel a bit out of breath. This is caused by the pressure on your stomach and lungs as your baby gets bigger. If this happens don’t worry. Your baby's getting the oxygen they need from the placenta.

You may have some stretch marks as your bump grows. These can look quite discoloured but will fade to become faint, silvery lines.

Your Baby Box should have arrived. This usually happens 4 weeks after your register.

How your baby's growing

Your baby's about 42 cm from head to toe and putting on weight.

Their lungs have formed and are developing. They may also be dreaming while they’re asleep.

Week 33 to 40

By week 33 and 34 your breasts may be leaking colostrum to get ready for breastfeeding, but this doesn’t happen to everyone.

If you’ve got varicose veins, then resting with your feet up may help your legs feel better.

It's common for women to feel puffiness in their feet, ankles and fingers, but if your face is swelling too, tell your midwife, GP or the hospital.

More about common issues in pregnancy

How your baby's growing

Your baby's lungs are now fully developed, and they:

  • can feel you touching them when you rub your tummy – if you see a bump, it might be their hand, foot or elbow
  • can do all sorts of things, such as sucking and grabbing
  • might be lying head down now to get ready for being born

Week 35

By week 35 you’ll probably be feeling tired. As there won’t be much time for rest after the birth, try to get as much as you can now.

Take some gentle exercise, such as a walk or a swim, to help you relax and make it easier to sleep.

You should be thinking about things you can do, read or ask your midwife about now. This will help you feel as ready and confident as possible to be a parent when your baby arrives.

More about preparing for parenthood and caring for your new child

How your baby's growing

Your baby weighs about 2.3 kg and is still putting on weight.

Their toenails and fingernails could almost do with a trim

Week 36

Your baby at week 36 and 40 Public Health Scotland

Your bump's getting lower (called lightening) as your baby gets ready to be born.

Your baby's head may be engaged, which means the widest part has moved down into your pelvis. Don’t worry if their head doesn’t engage at this stage as some babies don’t until labour starts.

How your baby's growing

Your baby probably weighs about 2.7 kg. They're also still moving every day, but have less room to move around now.

Urgent advice: Phone your midwife or maternity unit immediately if:

  • you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped

Week 37 to 40

By week 37 to 40 you might be getting stronger and more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions.

You can help to ease any discomfort by:

  • focusing on your breathing, as if you’re in labour
  • lying down on your left side

Taking a gentle walk will be good for easing any aches and pains.

Plan for the birth

Many babies arrive earlier or later than their due date, so make sure your bags are packed and you're ready when baby is.

More about packing for the birth

How your baby's growing

Your baby's now fully developed and ready to be born. They're:

  • putting on about 14 g in weight every day
  • still covered in vernix, but the lanugo has gone

Child development by weeks | Regional Perinatal Center

Expectant mothers are always curious about how the fetus develops at a time when it is awaited with such impatience. Let's talk and look at the photos and pictures of how the fetus grows and develops week by week.

What does the puffer do for 9 whole months in mom's tummy? What does he feel, see and hear?

Let's start the story about the development of the fetus by weeks from the very beginning - from the moment of fertilization. A fetus up to 8 weeks old is called embryo , this occurs before the formation of all organ systems.

Embryo development: 1st week

The egg is fertilized and begins to actively split. The ovum travels to the uterus, getting rid of the membrane along the way.

On the 6th-8th days, implantation of eggs is carried out - implantation into the uterus. The egg settles on the surface of the uterine mucosa and, using the chorionic villi, attaches to the uterine mucosa.

Embryo development: 2-3 weeks


Picture of embryo development at 3 weeks.

The embryo is actively developing, starting to separate from the membranes. At this stage, the beginnings of the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems are formed. Therefore, this period of pregnancy is considered important.

Embryo development: 4–7 weeks


Fetal development by week in pictures: week 4


Fetal development by week photo: week 4




Photo of an embryo before the 6th week of pregnancy.

The heart, head, arms, legs and tail are formed in the embryo :) . Gill slit is defined. The length of the embryo at the fifth week reaches 6 mm.


Fetal development by week photo: week 5

At the 7th week, the rudiments of the eyes, stomach and chest are determined, and fingers appear on the handles. The baby already has a sense organ - the vestibular apparatus. The length of the embryo is up to 12 mm.

Fetal development: 8th week


Fetal development by week photo: week 7-8

The face of the fetus can be identified, the mouth, nose, and auricles can be distinguished. The head of the embryo is large and its length corresponds to the length of the body; the fetal body is formed. All significant, but not yet fully formed, elements of the baby's body already exist. The nervous system, muscles, skeleton continue to improve.



Fetal development in the photo already sensitive arms and legs: week 8

The fetus developed skin sensitivity in the mouth (preparation for the sucking reflex), and later in the face and palms.

At this stage of pregnancy, the genitals are already visible. Gill slits die. The fruit reaches 20 mm in length.

Fetal development: 9–10 weeks


Fetal development by week photo: week 9

Fingers and toes already with nails. The fetus begins to move in the pregnant woman's stomach, but the mother does not feel it yet. With a special stethoscope, you can hear the baby's heartbeat. Muscles continue to develop.


Weekly development of the fetus photo: week 10

The entire surface of the fetal body is sensitive and the baby develops tactile sensations with pleasure, touching his own body, the walls of the fetal bladder and the umbilical cord. It is very curious to observe this on ultrasound. By the way, the baby first moves away from the ultrasound sensor (of course, because it is cold and unusual!), And then puts his hands and heels trying to touch the sensor.

It's amazing when a mother puts her hand to her stomach, the baby tries to master the world and tries to touch with his pen "from the back".

The development of the fetus: 11–14 weeks


Development of the fetus in the photo of the legs: weeks 11

Hands, legs and eyelids are formed, and the genitals become distinguishable (you can find out the gender child). The fetus begins to swallow, and if something is not to its taste, for example, if something bitter got into the amniotic fluid (mother ate something), then the baby will begin to frown and stick out his tongue, making less swallowing movements.

Fruit skin appears translucent.

Development of the fetus: Week 12


Photo of the fetus 12 weeks per 3D ultrasound


Development of the fetus for weeks: Week 14 9000 9000

buds are responsible for production for production urine. Blood forms inside the bones. And hairs begin to grow on the head. Moves more coordinated.

Fetal development: 15-18 weeks


Fetal development by weeks photo: week 15

The skin turns pink, the ears and other parts of the body, including the face, are already visible. Imagine, a child can already open his mouth and blink, as well as make grasping movements. The fetus begins to actively push in the mother's tummy. The sex of the fetus can be determined by ultrasound.

Fetal development: 19-23 weeks


Fetal development by week photo: week 19

Baby sucks his thumb, becomes more energetic. Pseudo-feces are formed in the intestines of the fetus - meconium , kidneys begin to work. During this period, the brain develops very actively.


Fetal development by week photo: week 20

The auditory ossicles become stiff and now they are able to conduct sounds, the baby hears his mother - heartbeat, breathing, voice. The fetus intensively gains weight, fat deposits are formed. The weight of the fetus reaches 650 g, and the length is 300 mm.

The lungs at this stage of fetal development are so developed that the baby can survive in the artificial conditions of the intensive care unit.

Fetal development: 24-27 weeks

Lungs continue to develop. Now the baby is already falling asleep and waking up. Downy hairs appear on the skin, the skin becomes wrinkled and covered with grease. The cartilage of the ears and nose is still soft.


Fetal development by week photo: week 27

Lips and mouth become more sensitive. The eyes develop, open slightly and can perceive light and squint from direct sunlight. In girls, the labia majora do not yet cover the small ones, and in boys, the testicles have not yet descended into the scrotum. Fetal weight reaches 900–1200 g, and the length is 350 mm.

9 out of 10 children born at this term survive.

Fetal development: 28-32 weeks

The lungs are now adapted to breathe normal air. Breathing is rhythmic and body temperature is controlled by the CNS. The baby can cry and responds to external sounds.

Child opens eyes while awake and closes during sleep.

The skin becomes thicker, smoother and pinkish. Starting from this period, the fetus will actively gain weight and grow rapidly. Almost all babies born prematurely at this time are viable. The weight of the fetus reaches 2500 g, and the length is 450 mm.

Fetal development: 33-37 weeks


Fetal development by week photo: week 36

The fetus reacts to a light source. Muscle tone increases and the baby can turn and raise his head. On which, the hairs become silky. The child develops a grasping reflex. The lungs are fully developed.

Fetal development: 38-42 weeks

The fetus is quite developed, prepared for birth and considered mature. The baby has mastered over 70 different reflex movements. Due to the subcutaneous fatty tissue, the baby's skin is pale pink. The head is covered with hairs up to 3 cm.


Fetal development by weeks photo: week 40

The baby perfectly mastered the movements of his mother , knows when she is calm, excited, upset and reacts to this with her movements. During the intrauterine period, the fetus gets used to moving in space, which is why babies love it so much when they are carried in their arms or rolled in a stroller. For a baby, this is a completely natural state, so he will calm down and fall asleep when he is shaken.

The nails protrude beyond the tips of the fingers, the cartilages of the ears and nose are elastic. In boys, the testicles have descended into the scrotum, and in girls, the large labia cover the small ones. The weight of the fetus reaches 3200-3600 g, and the length is 480-520 mm.

After the birth, the baby longs for touching his body, because at first he cannot feel himself - the arms and legs do not obey the child as confidently as it was in the amniotic fluid. Therefore, so that your baby does not feel lonely, it is advisable to carry him in your arms, press him to you while stroking his body.

And one more thing, the baby remembers the rhythm and sound of your heart very well . Therefore, you can comfort the baby in this way - take him in your arms, put him on the left side and your miracle will calm down, stop crying and fall asleep. And for you, finally, the time of bliss will come :) .

What does a child do while it is in the mother’s belly

August 17, 2018

In 9 months, a child goes a long way from a tiny embryo to a chubby baby and already in the womb acquires some features that will remain with him for life: for example , you can understand whether he will become right-handed or left-handed and what kind of food he will prefer. In a fairly short period of time, a lot of interesting things happen to a child, and today we invite you to go through the path from birth to birth with your baby.

1st trimester of pregnancy
1st–2nd week

So the long journey began. For the first 4 days, the future person is smaller than a grain of salt - its size is only 0.14 mm. However, starting from the 5th day, it begins to grow and by the 6th it almost doubles - up to as much as 0.2 mm. On the 4th day, the embryo "comes" to where it will spend the next 9 months - into the uterus, and on the 8th day it is implanted in its wall.

3rd–4th week


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Embryo at the 4th week of pregnancy.

Around the 20th day of pregnancy, a very important event occurs: the neural tube appears, which will then turn into the spinal cord and brain of the child. Already on the 21st day, his heart begins to beat and all important organs, such as the kidneys and liver, begin to form. The eyes have not yet taken their usual position - the bubbles from which they will then take shape are located on the sides of the head. By the end of the 1st month, the embryo has a circulatory system, and the spine and muscles begin to develop.

5th–6th week


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At the 5th week, the hands appear in the embryo, however, the fingers are still very difficult to distinguish, but in the joints the arms and legs are already bent. It was at this time that the external genitalia begin to form, but it is not yet possible to see on an ultrasound whether it is a boy or a girl. By the way, since its appearance, the embryo has grown a lot - it has increased by as much as 10 thousand times. Already now, the baby's face is beginning to form, and the eyes, which will be closed for a very long time, darken, becoming more human-like.

7th–8th week

The 7th week of pregnancy is the time when the baby begins to move, however, so far completely unnoticed by the mother, and the fingers and toes become almost the same as in adults. At this stage, the rudiments of milk teeth appear in the embryo and the reproductive system develops, and the kidneys begin to produce urine. Despite the fact that the growth of the fetus is only 2.5 cm, it acquires its own facial expressions, it has eyelids, and the tip of the nose becomes more defined.

9th–10th week

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Baby at 9-10 weeks of gestation.

By this time, the baby has already grown well - its weight is 4 grams, and its height is 2-3 cm. Despite its tiny size, the brain is already divided into two hemispheres, and milk teeth and taste buds are beginning to form. The baby's tail and membranes between the fingers on the hands disappear, he begins to swim in the amniotic fluid and move even more actively, although still unnoticed by the mother. It was at this time that the child's individual facial features appear, and hair begins to grow on the head.

11–12 weeks

At this time, the genital organs are formed in the child, so it is already possible to find out his sex on an ultrasound scan, although the probability of an error is still high. The child still looks a little alien: he has a big head and a small body, but his face is more and more like an adult. The ears are almost in the right position, eyebrows and eyelashes appear. The cartilage that makes up the skeleton gradually ossifies, new blood vessels appear, and hormone production begins. By the way, the baby has already grown up to 6 cm and weighs about 20 grams.

13th-14th week

Baby at 14 weeks pregnant.

Despite the fact that the child's head is half the length of the entire body, the face is more and more reminiscent of an adult, and the rudiments of all 20 milk teeth have already been formed in the oral cavity. The child is already able to put his finger in his mouth, but he will learn to suck a little later. Due to the active formation of blood vessels, the baby's skin is red and very thin, so vellus hair appears on the body - lanugo, which is necessary to maintain a special lubricant that protects against hypothermia.

2nd trimester of pregnancy
15th–16th week

By the 15th week, the baby has grown to 10 cm and is gaining weight - now he weighs about 70 grams. Despite the fact that the eyes are still quite low, the face is already quite recognizable, moreover, the child begins to “make faces”, since the facial muscles are well developed. By this time, he already knows how to suck his thumb, and the sebaceous and sweat glands begin their work.

17th–18th week

And finally, the child's auditory canals are formed, so he begins to distinguish sounds well and hears the mother's voice, moreover, he is able to recognize it. In addition to the milk teeth, the embryos of the molars also appear, the bones are finally formed and begin to harden. By the way, the bones of the skull will remain mobile until birth - when passing through the birth canal, they will overlap each other to make it easier for the baby to be born. But the mother is finally beginning to feel the movements of the child, who has grown to 14 cm and 190 grams.

19th–20th week

Baby at 20 weeks pregnant.

Despite the fact that the child's eyes are still closed, he is already well oriented in the surrounding space. Moreover, now you can understand whether the child will be right-handed or left-handed, because right now he begins to use his dominant hand more actively. Fingerprints appear on the baby's fingers - another unique sign of each of us. By the way, the child is already beginning to gradually distinguish day from night and is active at a certain time.


21–22 weeks

The 21st week is the time when the baby begins to gain weight due to the formation of subcutaneous fat. Soon, the folds that newborns have will appear on his arms and legs. On the 22nd week, those neurons are formed in the brain that will be with a person all his life. Very soon the child will open his eyes, he is already trying to do this, and the eyeballs move almost like an adult.

23–24 weeks

At 23 weeks, the baby may begin to dream, and his face is so formed that an ultrasound can determine whose facial features he has inherited. His skin becomes opaque, his eyes open, and the child can already react to light, moreover, bright flashes can scare him. By the 24th week, the baby grows to almost 30 cm, and its weight reaches 0.5 kg.

25th–26th week

At this time, the taste buds of the child are finally formed and, tasting the amniotic fluid, he can frown if he does not like it. By the way, this is how eating habits are formed - already in the womb we have our favorite and unloved foods. Very soon the child will learn to blink and can already see a little, however, so far it is very, very vague.

3rd trimester of pregnancy
27th–28th week

Baby at 27–28 weeks of gestation.

If you do an ultrasound at this time, you can see how the baby smiles and intensively sucks his thumb. At this time, the baby has the first "toy" - his own umbilical cord, and he actively studies his body. At the end of the 7th month of pregnancy, the child develops an individual metabolism, which he will have all his life. The baby is already quite large - his weight reaches 1.2 kg, and his height is 35 cm.

29th–30th week

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Baby at 30 weeks pregnant.

The layer of subcutaneous fat is increasing, and the baby is becoming more and more plump and well-fed. In addition, he already knows how to cry, cough, and even sometimes hiccups - this happens, most likely, when he swallows too much amniotic fluid. By the 30th week, the baby's brain is already so developed that it is quite capable of remembering and even analyzing information.

31–32 weeks

At this time, a person has all 5 senses, and his daily routine is more and more reminiscent of the one he will follow after birth. The child hears the work of all the organs of the mother, knows her voice perfectly, thanks to which, immediately after birth, he is able to distinguish her from all other people. The baby's immune system begins to produce antibodies that will protect him from all kinds of infections that may lie in wait in the first days and months after birth.

33–34th week

And finally, subcutaneous fat is already formed, and lanugo disappears from the body of the fetus. By this time, the baby has grown a lot - the length of his body reaches 40 cm, and the weight is very close to or even exceeds 2 kg. The baby's nervous system is already fully formed, but the lungs are still developing.

35th–36th week

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The child yawns. 3D ultrasound at 36 weeks pregnant.

At this time, the child looks almost exactly the same as when he was born. He is still quite thin, but the layer of subcutaneous fat is increasing more and more intensively. However, his hair and nails are already fully developed, and he himself becomes so big that he has almost no room to maneuver, so he can move less than in earlier stages.

37–38th week

And finally, the process of forming a person has finally ended - now he is completely ready for birth, and obstetricians consider the pregnancy to be full-term. Lanugo completely disappears from his body and can only sometimes remain on his arms and legs. Since there is almost no space left in the uterus, it may seem to the mother that the child has begun to move more intensively, but in fact the force of the blows has increased, because the child's muscles have already completely formed and strengthened.

39th–40th week

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The first minutes after birth.

The lungs of the child continue to form until the very birth, and only at the time of birth they release the right amount of surfactant - a substance that prevents the alveoli from sticking together after the first independent breath.

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