Day 1
Sperm joins with ovum (egg) to form one cell. The new life has inherited 23 chromosomes from each parent, 46 in all. This one cell, contains the blueprint for every detail of human development - gender, hair and eye color, height, skin tone, etc...
Days 3-4
The fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus, where the lining has been prepared for implantation.
Days 5-9
Implantation takes place and the fertilized egg begins to draw nourishment from the rich lining of the uterus.
Days 10-14
The developing embryo signals its presence through placental chemicals and hormones, preventing the mother from menstruating.
Day 20
Foundations of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system are already established.
Day 21
The heart begins to beat.
Day 28
The backbone and muscles are forming. Arms, legs, eyes and ears have begun to show.
Day 30
The heart is pumping increasing quantities of blood through the circulatory system. The placenta forms a unique barrier that keeps the mother's blood separate while allowing food and oxygen to pass through to the embryo.
Day 35
Five fingers can be discerned in the hand. The eyes darken as pigment is produced.
Day 40
Brain waves can be detected and recorded.
Week 6
The liver is now taking over the production of blood cells, and the brain begins to control movement of muscles and organs. The mother is about to miss her second period.
Week 7
The jaw forms, including teeth buds in the gums.
Week 8
At about an inch long, the developing life is now called a fetus - Latin for "young one" or "offspring." The stomach produces digestive juices and the kidneys are functioning. Forty muscle sets are operating in conjunction with the nervous system.
Week 9
Fingerprints are already evident in the skin. The fetus will curve its fingers around an object placed in the palm of its hand.
Week 10
The uterus has now doubled in size. The fetus can squint, swallow and wrinkle its forehead.
Week 11
The fetus is about two inches long. Urination occurs; muscle movements are becoming more coordinated.
Week 12
The fetus now sleeps, awakens and exercises its muscles energetically. The fetus breathes amniotic fluid to help develop its respiratory system. All organs are developed and functioning.
Week 13
Fine hair has begun to grow on the head and sexual differentiation is apparent.
Month 4
At this point the mother will probably begin to "show." The ears are functioning and there is evidence that the fetus hears quite a bit.
Month 5
The mother has definitely begun to feel movement by now. If a sound is especially loud, the fetus may jump in reaction to it.
Month 6
Oil and sweat glands are functioning. If the baby were born in this month and given the proper care, she would survive.
Month 7
The baby now uses the four senses of vision, hearing, taste and touch and can recognize the mother's voice.
Month 8
The skin begins to thicken with a layer of fat stored for insulation and nourishment. Antibodies build up.
Month 9
Most babies are born between 266 and 294 days. By this time the infant normally weighs 6 to 9 pounds.
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