Pregnancy Help Center Fort Worth, Texas

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Education and Information

Baby Development

First Trimester

Week 2 – Conception occurs when the sperm penetrates the ovum. The fertilized cell is called a zygote and is smaller than a grain of salt. It contains 23 chromosomes from each parent, resulting in a complex genetic makeup for every feature of human development – the child’s sex, hair color, eye color, height and skin tone.

Week 4 – The embryo may float in the uterus for about 48 hours before implanting itself in the lining of the uterus. The placenta forms.

Week 6 – The embryo is about 1/5-inch long, has a primitive heart, and is developing arms, legs, intestines, a pancreas, lungs and a brain.

Week 10 – The embryo is now about 1-inch long. Cartilage, bones, joints, facial features, limbs, hands, feet, fingers and toes are taking shape. The nervous system is responsive, and several internal organs have started to function. The fetus even has fingerprints.

Week 14 – The 3-inch long fetus weighs about an ounce. Muscles are developing, and movement can be observed. Over the past few weeks, sex organs, hair and eyelids have been forming. The fetus is producing hormones and may be able to suck his thumb.

Second Trimester

Week 18 – The fetus is approximately 5 inches long and has fine hair on his head and body. Fingernails, toenails and eyebrows have been growing. The fetus can blink and has developed vocal cords. He can also breathe, and his skeleton has been changing from cartilage to bone.

Week 22 – At nearly a pound, the fetus now has skin that has changed from transparent to opaque. Nerve cells for the senses have been developing. The fetus can hear noises outside of the womb.

Week 26 – The fetus’ eyes are fully developed and can blink, and taste buds have started to form. Sweat glands have been developing, and spine structures have begun to form. The fetus can breathe and cry, and has a more than 50% chance of living outside of the womb.

Third Trimester

Week 30 – The nearly 3-pound fetus could survive outside of the womb, and would be “premature” if born at this point. He can produce tears and has been accumulating fat under the skin.

Week 36 – The baby’s five senses are intact. She can blink and has fully developed kidneys.

Week 40 – The child has a firm grasp, has grown significantly, and is now prepared for life outside of the womb.

Abortion Procedures

The video below is a non-graphical medical animation of abortion procedures.

The 7 Wonders