FETAL DEVELOPMENT DURING PREGNANCY
The growth of foetus is indeed a wondrous phenomenon to observe. Baby growth and
development is a continuous process that occurs throughout the gestation period. The growth
of the baby in the womb can be classified into the various foetus stages.
1. Using online research, find key development stages in each week. The first one has been
done for you.
WEEK
8 weeks
12 weeks
16 weeks
20 weeks
24 weeks
28 weeks
32 weeks
36 weeks
40 weeks
FETAL DEVELOPMENT
The heart and lungs begin to develop, and the arms, legs, brain, spinal
cord and nerves begin to form. The embryo will be about the size of a pea.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOETUS
Match the months listed below with the descriptions of the development of the
foetus. Look for clues in the keywords used to describe the baby for time
guides. Check the following page for the answers.
Months:
 month one
 month two
 month three
 month four
 month five
 month six
 month seven
 month eight
 month nine
Development:

The baby is about 1.7 kg and is approximately 43 cm in length and layers of fat forming under
the skin. The baby sleeps most of the time and has probably turned head-down in preparation
for birth.

The baby will be approximately 20 cm in length from crown to rump and weigh around 340 g. It
is legally viable as a person according to Australian law. During this time, the nails and
fingerprints are formed and the baby has eyebrows and eyelashes.

The baby will have grown to approximately 14 cm in length and will be covered with a layer of
thick, downy hair called lanugo. The organs are formed and the heartbeat can be heard
clearly. This is when many mothers feel their baby's first kick.

The embryo is approximately 1.5 mm in length. The spinal cord and brain begin to form and
the heart has begun beating.

The foetus will have grown to 7.5 cm in length and will be fully formed as bones harden. The
toenails and genitals form. All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function.
There is some movement now.

The baby weighs approximately 2.7 kg, measures approximately 46 cm in length and will
continue to grow until born. The lungs are fully mature. As the baby becomes more cramped in
the space in the uterus, the baby moves around less.

The baby will be approximately 40 cm in length and weighs just over
1 kg. The body is well formed and the immune system is developing. The eyelids open and the
baby can look around and distinguish light from dark.

The baby will have grown to approximately 30 cm in length and weighs about 600 g. There are
sleep and wake patterns. The lungs are filled with amniotic fluid and breathing or hiccuping
movements are made. The baby is covered by a thick, protective cream (vernix) and can hear.

The embryo will have grown to approximately 2.5 cm long and the face will be recognisably
human as the skeleton takes shape. Eyelids, ears, legs, arms, fingers and toes are formed.
The placenta is already nourishing the baby through the umbilical cord. The heart has divided
into right and left chambers.