Skip to main content

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Fetal Development Milestones: What’s Happening Inside You?

Updated
4 min read
Fetal Development Milestones: What’s Happening Inside You?
A

Cryoviva Biotech is a company in India that offers stem cell banking services in india. Specifically, they provide umbilical cord blood and tissue banking services, which involves the collection and storage of stem cells from the umbilical cord and tissue of a newborn baby.

During pregnancy, it is very common for women to wonder how a baby grows inside them from a tiny cluster of cells to a fully developed infant. The process is known as fetal development. It is a process full of different major changes. This remarkable journey begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, forming a zygote, and ends with the birth of a baby weighing, on average, 3-3.5 kilograms. During this process, the growth and development of the baby occurs with the help of its mother’s body nutrients. From the first week, your body will transform into a safe place for your baby to grow fulfilling all its needs.

Understanding week-by-week fetus development is truly fascinating. Each week marks a unique milestone, from the initial formation of the heart in the early weeks to the development of nails and eyelashes. By week 10, all essential organs start forming, and by week 18, the fetus can hear sounds, including the mother’s voice. It is crucial for expectant parents to stay informed about these changes for the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Pregnancy can be divided into three main trimesters, which mark turns in this journey and have their own changes and challenges. Keep reading to explore the astonishing milestones of fetal growth and how they affect your baby’s development inside your womb!

Week-by-Week Fetus Development Insight

Every trimester is a kaleidoscope of changes in your baby's growth. Here are the different stages of baby development discussed in detail:

The Germinal Stage (Weeks 1-2)

This stage starts from conception and ends with a fertilized egg (the zygote) travelling to the uterus to implant itself. During this time, the zygote undergoes mitotic divisions, increasing from a single cell to around 100 cells, forming a blastocyst. The result of rapid cell multiplication will be a blastocyst, which eventually gives rise to an embryo and a placenta. This phase is important for the success of the pregnancy because it is the foundation of your pregnancy journey.

The Embryonic Stage (Weeks 3-8)

The embryo begins the formation of vital organs and structures within itself. The formation of the neural tube, which will house the embryo's brain and spinal cord, also begins. By the fifth week, tiny limb buds appear, and the brain develops into five distinct regions. By the sixth week, the fetal heart will begin rhythmic pulsing. By the eighth week, rudimentary arms, legs, and facial features will be visible in the child.

The Fetal Stage (Weeks 9-20)

It is the longest phase, during which the embryo grows into a fetus. By the 10th week, the fetus can make slight movements, though they are not yet perceptible by the mother. By the end of week 12, kidneys and intestines will start working and the heartbeat can be detected during an ultrasound. The fetus starts to move, but movement might not be felt by the expectant mother until week 20.

Second Trimester Highlights (Weeks 13-26)

This is the period during which rapid growth occurs in both the weight and height of the fetus. During this period, the organs of the senses develop and start responding to external stimuli. For example, the eyes can detect light by week 16, and by week 24, the lungs begin to produce surfactant, a substance essential for breathing after birth. The baby will survive outside the womb, at least after medical support, by the 24th week post-fertilization.

Complete Third Trimester Accomplishments (Weeks 27-40)

In the last pregnancy trimester, your baby gains most of its weight and the lung matures. By week 32, the baby starts practicing breathing movements, and by week 37, its digestive system is fully functional. A fetus is considered to be ready for life after completing 39 weeks. During these weeks, the immune system and brain are developed for the upcoming world the baby has to thrive in.

Conclusion: Preparations for Your Baby's Future

Fetal growth knowledge not only adds to your experience during pregnancy but also gives you more choices and informed decisions, like opting for private stem cell banking. Umbilical cord blood banking ensures the preservation of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be used to treat over 80 diseases, including leukemia and certain genetic disorders.

Cryoviva provides guaranteed and the most modern private stem cell banking services that can help to create health security for your baby. Call us today and learn how to secure your child's future!

More from this blog

Cryoviva Blogs

48 posts