Baby Development in the Uterus
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The First Trimester
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The first trimester of a pregnancy begins at conception and ends at the closing of the third month. During this important time, the embryo travels through the fallopian tubes and finds its way to the uterus, where it stays for the remainder of the pregnancy. During these three months, the embryo begins to develop its eyes, nose, lips, tongue and teeth.
By the second month of the first trimester, the penis begins to form if the embryo is a boy. The heart begins to function, and even though the mother can't feel anything yet, the embryo is moving.
By the end of the third month of pregnancy, the embryo has become a fetus and it weighs about an ounce. The eyes begin to fully develop, and the fetus starts growing fingernails, arms, hands legs and feet. The fetus's heartbeat is strong enough to be caught on a monitor.
The Second Trimester
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The second trimester of pregnancy begins at the fourth month, and the fetus should weigh around seven ounces by this time. Developmentally, the fetus already has its fingers and toes, as well as its reproductive organs.
It begins to grow tooth buds and may also display motor functions such as thumb sucking. By the fifth month of pregnancy, the fetus weighs about a pound and is growing hair on her head. By this time, the mother can feel fetal movement. The end of the second trimester occurs in the sixth month of pregnancy. During this time, the fetus can grow to up to 2 lbs. or more in some cases. He can open his eyes for brief periods and can even hiccup and wiggle his fingers. -
The Third Trimester
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At seven months, the fetus has already developed taste buds on its tongue, as well as layers of fat for insulation. The organs are beginning to mature further, and its skin is red and wrinkly. If the baby is born at this time, it can survive but will be considered a premature birth and will require special care.
By the end of month eight, the fetus will have hit a growth spurt, rapidly developing in all directions. Brain growth increases tremendously in this month, and the baby can kick hard enough for it to become visible from the outside. The end of the third trimester marks the beginning of childbirth. The fetus will drop down into the lower abdomen, preparing for entrance into the birth canal. The fetus may seem less active during this time.
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