Fetal Development: Week-by-Week Growth Journey
Parenthood is an exciting and, at times, daunting experience for any first-time parent. During your pregnancy, your baby will undergo amazing changes and developments that are interesting to learn about as they progress. Each week is new and amazing, from week 1 of pregnancy until the time they are ready to be born. In this blog, we will take you through all of the stages of fetal development from week 1 to week 40 so that you can know more about how your baby grows in the womb week by week. For expert guidance and personalized care, Dr. Sana Azeem, one of the best gynecologist in Dubai, is here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey.
Fetal development stages –
Read on to learn about the baby in the womb’s week-by-week development.
Week 01 to Week 04
In the initial four weeks of pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels along the fallopian tube and implants itself in the uterus. The fetus is a cluster of cells at this stage but grows quickly.
After fertilization, in Week 1, the zygote starts dividing and grows into a group of cells called a blastocyst. The blastocyst then travels to the uterus, where it can implant on day six or seven.
By Week 2, the cells are still dividing as the blastocyst implants itself more deeply into the lining of your uterus. Amniotic fluid is now beginning to form around your unborn child to cushion and safeguard them as they develop.
Week 3 is noteworthy because a rudimentary heart (with a single chamber) begins to circulate blood in your embryo. In this week, other essential organs, including the lungs and kidneys, also start to develop!
Finally, by Week 4, counting the last time you’ve had your period, we can already see tiny limb buds forming on either side of what will be our babies’ bodies!
Week 05 to Week 07
The embryo is now a fetus by Week 05 to Week 07 of pregnancy. Your unborn child, at this point, is about the size of a blueberry and is around 0.13 inches long.
In these weeks, there is important development as the major organs like the heart, brain, lungs, digestive system, and arms start developing. The neural tube that will form your baby’s spinal cord and brain also starts developing in this time.
Your body also undergoes changes! Because of hormonal changes, you might experience early signs of pregnancy, like morning sickness and fatigue. You should take proper care of yourself by eating nutritious food that is healthy for the development of your baby.
When you’re six weeks pregnant, an ultrasound can pick up your baby’s heartbeat—a special moment to look forward to! Your baby’s heart will beat more quickly than later in life, at approximately 100-160 beats per minute.
It’s amazing how much you’ve progressed in so little time! Keep taking care of yourself, soon-to-be mommy – you’re growing a gorgeous baby inside of you!
Week 08 to Week 12
The baby will grow quickly through weeks 08 to 12 of the fetal development stages. The fetus measures two inches long and has limbs that can move. The head is still larger than the body but will slowly find balance as the days pass.
By week 08, the major organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines form, and tooth buds form inside the gums. By week 09, your baby’s face is more defined as its nose forms and ears start to develop. It also starts to grow small fingernails.
Weeks 10-11 are very important weeks for brain development. During these weeks, neurons spread to the brain and spinal cord from a central tube of nerve cells. This week also marks the completion of the embryonic stage, during which all the major organs develop before further developing with time.
By week 12, the bones of your baby start to calcify. They also start to develop reflexes, like sucking their thumb or curling their toes. This also makes them responsive to touch outside the womb.
It is crucial when pregnant early to maintain a healthy life. It includes eating healthy foods that are full of vitamins and minerals. You should not use alcohol and tobacco as they can harm the baby’s health.
Week 13 to Week 15
Your baby grows quickly during the thirteenth to fifteenth week of pregnancy. The fetus measures about 3 inches in length and weighs about an ounce at this time.
Your baby’s eyes and ears are still developing during these weeks. At week 14, they can show facial expressions like squinting or frowning. They can also suck their thumb and roll inside the womb.
Your little one’s bones are starting to harden now, making them more pronounced. At the same time, their digestive system is also growing. The intestines begin their journey from the umbilical cord to the abdomen, where they continue to grow.
By week 15, some babies can show whether they are a boy or girl on ultrasound. Others are still too early to say. Overall, your baby is growing more powerful every day with each passing week.
Always speak with your gynecologist in Dubai, if you have any concerns about your baby’s development or anything else concerning prenatal care! It’s important to stay informed about the stages of fetal development throughout your pregnancy.
Week 16 to Week 18
The baby’s growth is amazing from week 16 to week 18. Your fetus is now as big as an avocado and weighs about five ounces.
The face of the baby starts to look clearer as their eyes come closer together. They can also hear outside the womb and will start to react to sounds like music or voices.
Your baby grows stronger daily by building up muscles that allow them to move about inside your womb. You can also start to feel some fluttering in your tummy – this has been called “quickening,” and it means your baby is moving!
Along with physical growth, essential organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys also develop during this time. Your doctor might suggest regular ultrasounds to check how the baby is growing and if there are any possible complications.
As you navigate weeks 16-18 of pregnancy, keep in mind that each mom-to-be experiences unique symptoms. Some women are bursting with energy, and others are exhausted or experience mood swings. Be sure to listen to your body and discuss concerns with the doctor, Dr. Sana Azeem, the best gynecologist in Dubai.
Week 19 to Week 22
Weeks 19 to 22, see your baby’s growth shoot up very quickly. Your baby is now the size of a papaya and weighs around half a pound. The little one’s senses start developing as they hear sounds from outside the womb.
Your baby’s nails and hair grow, and their skin becomes less translucent. They also start to produce meconium, their first poop that will be born after birth. In week 20, you might be able to feel your baby move more clearly, which is exciting for many expecting parents.
Internally, your baby’s digestive system is still developing as it swallows amniotic fluid on a regular basis – a good source of nourishment at this point in pregnancy. Your baby’s brain is also growing quickly and is practicing muscles to make facial expressions like frowning or squinting.
It is important that you take care of yourself during these weeks. Eat nutritious food that is rich in protein, calcium, and iron. Avoid noxious agents like alcohol or tobacco smoke. Get enough rest and do some exercise. Drink plenty of water and monitor any abnormal symptoms that may arise.
Week 23 to Week 25
Week 23 to Week 25 is a very important developmental period for your baby. Your baby weighs approximately 1 pound and is the size of a grapefruit at this point.
By now, your baby’s senses are developing. They can perceive sounds outside the womb and might even startle at loud noises. They might also hiccup or practice using their lungs in breathing.
The skin of your baby is still thin and translucent but will soon thicken in the next few weeks as they gain more fat.
As your baby’s brain matures, it will start to establish sleep-wake patterns like a newborn. That is, you might find them being more active at some times of the day or night.
It’s important to have regular prenatal checkups during this time to identify any potential complications early on. Your gynecologist may also recommend additional testing, such as an ultrasound or glucose test.
These fetal development weeks are a thrilling experience for you and your baby as you prepare to give birth! For expert care and guidance, consult the best gynecologist in Dubai, Dr. Sana Azeem.
Week 26 to Week 28
From weeks 26 to 28, your baby is as big as an eggplant and weighs around 2.5 pounds. They are now able to open and close their eyes, and they are starting to have more normal sleep patterns. They also hear better and may even start responding to sounds outside the womb.
Your baby’s brain is growing dramatically these weeks. The hippocampus, which helps with memory, is growing more and other parts are also growing fast. This will allow them to distinguish familiar voices after birth.
Your baby is building up fat layers, which will allow it to control its body temperature upon birth. Its lungs are still developing, but if it is prematurely born between weeks 26 and 28, it can survive with medical help in most cases.
Continue taking care of yourself by consuming healthy food and staying active unless otherwise advised by your doctor or midwife. Go to all your prenatal appointments so that any problems can be managed early enough, keeping you and your unborn child healthy throughout pregnancy!
If you’re looking for expert care, Dr. Sana Azeem, one of the best gynecologist in Dubai, provides exceptional guidance and support throughout your fetal development journey.
Week 29 to Week 33
Week 29 to Week 33 is a vital time for the baby’s growth. They are still gaining weight and developing quickly. Your little one is now about the size of a butternut squash and weighs between 2 and 4 pounds.
These weeks are when their organs mature and prepare to work properly once they’re born. Their bones also start to harden, but their skulls remain soft so that they can easily pass through the birth canal.
As your baby becomes heavier, you might feel uncomfortable, like fatigue or back pain, from the extra load on your body. You should keep eating properly and exercising simultaneously and keep in touch with your doctor, Dr. Sana Azeem, the best obstetrician and gynecologist in Dubai, for expert guidance throughout your pregnancy.
During this period, the mothers and fathers or baba-to-be ought to reach out to the baby by softly talking or singing to them. In so doing, the babies familiarize themselves with their voice prior to birth.
Week 34 to Week 36
Your infant is preparing to be born from the 34th to 36th week of infant development. All of their senses are now developed, and their brain is growing a lot! They are able to distinguish familiar sounds, like your voice, and react to light changes.
Your baby weighs approximately 5 pounds and measures 18 inches in length. They are now in a head-down position to get ready for birth. Because of their growth, you might feel more pressure on your bladder or need to urinate often.
By week 35, the lanugo (fine hair on the baby) starts to vanish because it is not required anymore as they are gaining fat. Your baby’s skin becomes pinker now and wrinkles less.
It’s very important to keep track of your health and your baby’s health during the last few weeks of pregnancy. If you have any unusual symptoms or feel uncomfortable, contact your gynecologist in Dubai immediately. Enjoy these last few weeks of holding your precious baby until it comes, as the fetal development stages in these final weeks are crucial for preparing your baby for life outside the womb.
Week 37 to Week 40
Week 37 to Week 40 is the last part of your pregnancy. Your baby is now complete and ready to be delivered. Your baby weighs between six and nine pounds and is approximately 19-21 inches long.
In the past two weeks, you might be noticing more Braxton Hicks contractions as your body gets ready for labor. These “false” contractions are feelings of tightness or hardness in the belly and can be uncomfortable but are seldom painful.
It’s significant to check for labor signs, such as recurrent contractions becoming stronger and more frequent. You may also observe a pinkish or bloody vaginal discharge – also known as the “bloody show” indicating that labor may begin anytime.
It is optimal to be well-hydrated and well-rested now and do some light exercises like walking or prenatal yoga. Have everything ready so that you can concentrate on delivering your baby once you go into labor.
Getting an appointment with Dr. Sana Azeem, the best gynecologist in Dubai, these last few weeks will help ensure that all will be well at delivery. With proper care, advice, and preparation, you will be holding your precious baby soon!
Consult Dr. Sana Azeem for guidance on fetal development stages.
It is amazing how a few cells can grow into complete human beings within 40 weeks. Following your fetal development stages in the womb week by week is interesting, but remember that every pregnancy is different. Dr Sana Azeem, one of the best gynecologist in Dubai, has been guiding parents for 20 years on how their baby develops before birth. She also provides useful tips on common problems and concerns they may have. Get an appointment here!
