Development of the Embryo and Fetus

Child Development UnitLife Skills

Fertilization

• The sperm cell fertilizes the egg cell in the fallopian tube.

• The fertilized egg cell will implant in the uterus, and begin to grow.

• At this point, known as a zygote.

Fertilization (cont.)

• The father gives 23 chromosomes. The 23rd will be an x or y.

• The mother gives 23 chromosomes. The 23rd will be an x.

3-4 weeks

• Called an embryo• Heartbeat• Brain forming• ¼ inch long• Lungs forming

• Most women don’t realize that they are pregnant at this point.

• Prenatal health is of upmost importance at this point.

6 weeks

• Fingers and toes begin to develop• Ears start forming• Skin forming

8 weeks

• The time of the 1st doctor visit.

• 1 ½ inches long• 1/30 of an ounce• All organs have begun

to develop

12 weeks

• This picture is a mold of what a baby would look like, not an actual baby.

• Now called a fetus• Movement

felt• 3 inches long• Can swallow

13 weeks-40 weeks

• Every part of the baby has formed. • Baby becomes larger, organs work better.

Pregnancy Body

• Being Pregnant brings many changes:– Breast increase in size. – Spine bends in – Baby sits on bladder, causing frequent urination– Increased weight– Can have swelling of limbs– Pregnant women tend to be very forgetful.

Weight

40 weeks

• Full term pregnancy• 19-21 inches long• 6-9 pounds• Organs can function on their own now• Begin birthing process

Vaginal Birth

• Cervix must completely thin out and dilate to 10 cm

• Baby comes facing downward, head first.

• After baby is born, umbilical cord is cut, then mom must push out placenta.

• 6 week recovery time

C-Section Birth

• Make an incision across abdomen.

• Baby is pulled through incision along with placenta.

• 8 week recovery time.