The stages of fetal development in pictures

Weeks 1 and 2

Ovulation

Women typically ovulate 14 days before their period, but this can vary from 11–18 days depending on the length of your menstrual cycle.

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Week 3

Fertilization

A sperm enters the egg: they fuse to become an egg composed of a single cell.

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Week 4

Egg implantation

The fertilized egg attaches to the wall of your uterus. This stage is called implantation.

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Week 5

The embryo grows

The embryo’s round shape becomes elongated. It now looks like a tiny seahorse.

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Week 6

Baby’s heart begins to beat!

Baby’s heart begins to beat. But that tiny heart is still forming. For now, it looks like a small bump.

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Week 7

All about the brain

This week is marked by significant brain development.

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Week 8

Movement begins

Even if you don't feel it, the embryo is moving.

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Week 9

Fingers and toes are now visible

Arms and legs become longer and their elbows and knees, along with their wrists and ankles, become more defined.

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Week 10

A rapid heartbeat

The embryo's heart rate is around 170 beats per minute. It will slowly decrease as the months go by.

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Week 11

From embryo to fetus

Week 11 marks an important milestone: the embryo has become a fetus!

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Week 12

Organs and brains in the making

Good news: at the end of this week, the risk of miscarriage drops considerably.

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Week 13

It's the teeth's turn

Baby tooth buds appear. Adult teeth will come later.

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Week 14

Their face is coming to life!

Baby can now make certain facial expressions like frowning and grimacing, and starts sucking their thumb.

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Week 15

Beginning of 2nd trimester

Baby is beginning a period of accelerated growth. Their legs are starting to be longer than their arms.

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Week 16

Baby is stronger and more agile

Your baby is stronger and their kicks are more pronounced. Their movements are also better coordinated.

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Week 17

Make way for fat

This is very important. The fat will help your baby stay warm after birth.

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Week 18

Is baby a boy or a girl?

The sex can be identified. Ultrasound shows the penis or vulva and uterus.

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Week 19

Baby is developing all five senses

Your baby is going through an important change: the areas of their brain dedicated to the five senses are forming.

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Week 20

Baby’s movements are more noticeable

Your baby is learning to move their body parts.

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Week 21

Baby is playing with their hands and feet

They also like playing with the umbilical cord.

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Week 22

Baby can taste sugar

Your baby already likes the taste of sugar! The sweeter the amniotic fluid, the more they drink.

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Week 23

Baby is opening their eyes

Their eyelids are coming apart gradually. They’re becoming aware of light and darkness.

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Week 24

Baby is growing real hair

Real hair has started to replace your baby’s fine downy hair. Their fingernails are more distinct.

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Week 25

Baby knows you’re there!

Your baby is beginning to recognize your voice, daylight, certain activities, and more.

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Week 26

Baby’s facial features are becoming clearer

From now until birth, your baby’s face won’t change very much!

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Week 27

Are they dreaming?

Perhaps, since brainwaves associated with dreams have already been detected.

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Week 28

Baby is becoming curious

When they sense light or hear a sound, they turn their head in that direction.

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Week 29

Beginning of 3rd trimester

Their nutrition is very important. They’ll get what they need from your diet.

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Week 30

Baby’s eyes can open wide

Their vision is limited. They can see 20–30 cm in front of them.

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Week 31

Head down?

Some babies are already head-down. They often stay in this position until delivery.

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Week 32

Baby is active

You can feel your baby wiggling and jerking their arms and legs.

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Week 33

Baby is more restricted

They have the proportions of a newborn but will continue to grow and gain weight in next few weeks.

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Week 34

Baby is turning pink

Their skin has turned from red to pink. Their fingernails have reached their fingertips.

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Week 35

Beginning of last month of pregnancy

Two important structures—your baby’s brain and immune system—have reached maturity.

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Week 36

Baby is learning to breathe

Inhale, exhale . . . Your baby is practising! Hic! Hic! Can you feel your baby hiccup? That’s perfectly normal.

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Week 37

Baby is full-term

Your baby is now considered full-term. They could be born at any time!

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Week 38

Your baby looks beautiful!

The vernix caseosa, which acts as a protective layer on your baby’s skin, has now fallen off and floats in the amniotic fluid.

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Week 39

Baby is getting lots of sleep

They’re waiting to be born. The uterus is feeling very small. Their limbs are bent close to the body and their chin is resting on their knees.

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Week 40

Baby will be with you soon!

Your baby now has all the necessary reflexes to start developing in the outside world.

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