Pregnancy step by step
You are pregnant! Congratulations! In a few months you will be holding your baby in your arms. Your body is changing and creating the right conditions for the development of the baby. Come along to see how your baby grows.
A pregnancy usually lasts nine months. However, gynaecologists are usually referred to in weeks, as this is the most appropriate measurement of embryo development (40 weeks).
The first 4 weeks
At the end of this week, your baby has a length of about 1 millimeter. This week actually marks the beginning of the fetal period since all of the baby’s organs start to develop and some already function!
End of 8th week
At the end of 8 weeks, the length of the fetus is about 14-20 mm and you can already begin to distinguish its eyes, its ears, its mouth and nose. All parts of its body and organs are developing rapidly and the fetus has already started moving.
End of 12th week
At the end of 12 weeks, the length of the fetus is about 60 – 70 mm. At this stage, all parts and organs of its body are fully formatted. You cannot tell its sex yet, but you can hear very clearly the beating of its heart.
End of 16th week
At the end of 16 weeks, the length of the embryo has reached 10.4 to 11.6 centimeters. Its legs have been developed and the head is more erect than before. The nails also begun to be visible in its hands and feet, its head has some fluffy hair, and the ears are very close to their final position.
End of 20th week
At the end of 20 weeks, your baby has reached 14 to 17 centimeters. Its head grows more than the rest of the body, hair, eyelashes and eyebrows are also starting to grow. Now, it even has fingerprint.
End of 24th week
At the end of 24 weeks, your baby is about 29 cm! The vital organs will continue to grow and the joints acquire more flexibility. Now it is starting to become more and more vigorous and you will feel it intensely when it’s kicking you!
End of 30th week
At the end of week 30, your baby is 38 cm long and fully developed. Its skin is smooth and rosy, and has started to develop subcutaneous fat which allows it to regulate the temperature of its body. It has also grown considerably now and there is not enough space to move comfortably.
End of 35th week
At the end of 35th week, your baby is about 44 cm and, from now until birth, it will constantly and rapidly grow. If indeed it is the first child, it may already have position with his head down to come into the world. But it is still quite high.
36th – 40th week
You have now entered the final month and you are getting ready to welcome your baby who now has a length of about 46 cm. It has taken position with the head down and is ready to get to know you and start the most beautiful adventure of your life.
Welcome little baby!
In collaboration with Dr Olga. E. Bikou, Obstetrician-Surgeon-Gynaecologist
