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1st
month
Conception - a sperm penetrates the egg's protective membrane,
then sheds its tail.
The fertilized egg starts dividing. For a week after fertilization,
the ball of divided cells floats free in the uterus. Finally
it comes to rest on the uterine lining and attaches here. |
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2nd
month
This month is the most dramatic in your unborn baby's growth.
Tremendous transformations occur. To start with the embryo looks
little more than a tube and by the end of the month it resembles
a living creature. |
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3rd
month
In the third month all the baby's internal organs have formed
and begun to function even though they are still tiny. The
fingers and toes become more distinct. The kidneys are functioning,
the skin is nearly transparent, the external parts are taking
shapes and bones and muscles are starting to grow. The foetus
is clearly human but it is 1 2/3 rd inches long and weighs
about 1/5 th of an ounce.
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4th
month
The body is growing fast and his arms and legs are developing
rapidly. Nails have begun to form on the fingers. The bones
have begun to make red blood cells, and the gall bladder beings
making bile, which is needed for digestion. The external sex
organs become distinctly male or female. Facial features also
become more distinct. Underneath the gum, teeth are forming
even though they won't appear until 6 - 7 months after birth.
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5th
month
A five month old foetus is able to suck his thumb, secure in
the womb. The bones are harder and muscles and limbs stronger.
Hair begins to grow on his head. He can hear sounds now. He
is now about 7 inches long and weighs approximately 10 - 12
ounces. The Foetus can turn, stretch and kick, the mother can
now feel his movements. The skin becomes covered with a cheesy,
yellow substance called vernix, which protects the baby's skin. |
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6th
month
A 6 month old foetus looks like a miniature of the newborn
she will become. He has developed the Laungo, a fine downy
hair which covers the baby's body. After this month weight
gain will be rapid. Bones and muscles are growing stronger.
Her heartbeat is becoming strong enough to be heard with a
stethoscope. Most importantly the lungs now are producing
surfactant, which helps your baby breathe after birth. At
this stage the baby is 9 inches long and weighs 1 ½
pounds.
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7th
month
The baby is now almost ready to come into the world. He fills
the womb now. His eyelids will slowly open and he is able to
see changes in light and dark. His hearing is fully developed
and he responds to his mother's voice. The skin is less wrinkled
and fat has begun to fill out his contours. Taste buds have
developed and the hands can now make grasping motions. |
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8th
month
Everything in your baby is preparing for her entry into the
world. The brains and nerves are maturing, a process that
will continue long after birth. The baby's limbs are becoming
smooth and plump, and the skin is a healthy colour.
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9th
month
This is the month of greatest anticipation as nature puts the
finishing touches on your child. Near the end of the month your
baby may assume the position she will take for delivery.
During delivery, the baby's head usually appears first. It is
almost time to celebrate. |
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