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The First Nine Months
The following is a step-by-step journey through the first chapter of human life. During the short nine months from conception to birth, microscopic single cell evolves with amazing speed into a seven-pound, 20-inch, fully formed infant.
Not long ago, the first nine months of human life were a mystery to all. Only in recent years have scientific and technological advances allowed us to directly observe life as it develops within the womb. We know in great detail how the unborn fetus looks, acts and grows.
 Day 1
 WEEK 6
This remarkable photograph of a tiny fetus in its unruptured amniotic sac was taken after surgery for an ectopic pregnancy in 1972. This picture demonstrates the development of a baby at only six weeks after conception.
University of Minnesota by medical photographer Robert Wolfe.
 WEEK 7
 WEEK 11
 WEEK 12
 WEEK 16
 WEEK 20
 MONTH 5
 NEW BORN
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Fetal Development
IN THE BEGINNING
Day 1
Sperm joints with ovum (egg) to form one cell-smaller than a grain of salt. The new life has inherited 23 chromosomes from each parent, 46 in all. This one cell contains the complex genetic blueprint for every detail of human development - the child's sex, hair and eye color, height, skin tone.
Days 3 - 4
The fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus, where the lining has been prepared for implantation.
Days 5 - 9
During this time, the fertilized egg implants itself in the rich lining of the uterus and begins to draw nourishment.
Days 10 - 14
The developing embryo signals its presence through placental chemicals and hormones, preventing the mother from menstruating.
Day 21
The heart begins to beat.
Day 28
The backbone and muscles are forming. Arms, legs, eyes, and ears have begun to show.
Day 35
Five fingers can be discerned in the hand. The eyes darken as pigment is produced.
Day 40
Brain waves can be detected and recorded.
WEEK 6
The liver is now taking over the production of blood cells; the brain begins to control movement of muscles and organs. The mother is about to miss her second period and has probably confirmed that she is pregnant.
WEEK 7
The embryo begins to move spontaneously. The jaw forms, including teeth buds in the gums. Soon the eyelids will seal to protect the embryo's developing light-sensitive eyes, and will reopen at about the seventh month.
WEEK 8
At a little more than an inch long, the developing life is now called a fetus-Latin for "young one" or "offspring." Everything is now present that will be found in a fully developed adult. The heart has been beating for more than a month; the stomach produces digestive juices and the kidneys have begun to function. Forty muscle sets begin to operate in conjunction with the nervous system. The fetus's body responds to touch, although the mother will not be able to feel movement until the fourth or fifth month.
WEEK 9
Fingerprints are already evident in the skin. The fetus will curve its fingers around an object placed in the palm of its hand.
WEEK 10
The uterus has now doubled in size. The fetus can squint, swallow and wrinkle its forehead.
WEEK 11
At this time, the fetus is about two inches long. Urination occurs. The face has assumed a baby's profile, and muscle movements are becoming coordinated.
WEEK 12
The fetus now sleeps, awakens, and exercises its muscles energetically-turning its head, curling its toes, and opening and closing its mouth. The palm, when stroked, will make a tight fist. The fetus breathes amniotic fluid to help develop its respiratory system.
WEEK 13
Fine hair has begun to grow on the head, and sexual differentiation has become apparent.
MONTH 4
By the end of this month, the fetus is eight to ten inches in length and weighs a half pound or more. The mother will probably start to "show" now. The ears are functioning, and there is evidence that the fetus hears quite a bit: the mother's voice and heartbeat as well as external noises.
MONTH 5
Half the pregnancy has now past, and the fetus is about 12 inches long. The mother has definitely begun to feel movement by now. If a sound is especially loud or startling, the fetus may jump in reaction to it.
MONTH 6
Oil and sweat glands are functioning. The delicate skin of the growing baby is protected from fetal waters by a special ointment called "vernix." If the baby were born in this month and given proper care, he would survive.
MONTH 7
The baby now uses the four senses of vision, hearing, taste and touch. He can recognize his mother's voice.
MONTH 8
The skin begins to thicken, with a layer of fat stored underneath for insulation and nourishment.
MONTH 9
Toward the end of this month the baby is ready for birth. By this time the infant normally weighs 6 to 9 pounds, and his heart is pumping about 250 gallons of blood a day. He is fully capable of life outside the womb.
This information is provided as an informational resource only, courtesy of Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995
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