Stages of Baby Gestation

A human baby takes 40 weeks to develop inside the womb. This development takes place in several stages, broken down in three trimesters and further into nine months. During each month, the baby's features, organs and size changes rapidly as he moves from a mere thought to a fully developed newborn.

  1. Month 1

    • During the first month, conception occurs when the sperm finds an egg to fertilize. The egg then becomes a zygote consisting of two layers of cells.

    Month 2

    • By the second month, the embryo has distinct webbed fingers. A brain does exist, it is just very small and undeveloped. The limbs begin to take form and branch out from the main body.

    Month 3

    • Fingerprints are now developed as the embryo is officially a fetus and is 3 inches long. Most fetuses weigh approximately 1 oz. Teeth are developed under the gums. This is also when the sex organs are developed.

    Month 4

    • The baby's 5-inch long skeleton begins to harden from cartilage to bone. It is at this point that a person can find out the sex of the baby, although pregnant women should be warned that it is still very early and the ultrasound could be a bit unclear so the reading could be incorrect.

    Month 5

    • At 10 inches long, the baby now has eyelids and eyebrows. This is the point when a baby's senses begin to develop.

    Month 6

    • The baby is starting to put on weight and is about 1 1/2 lbs. The digestive system and immune system are now developed.

    Month 7

    • Baby can now open and close his eyes and follow light shown through the skin of the mother's belly.

    Month 8

    • During this month, the lungs are developed and the baby puts on more weight creating "baby fat." It is safe for a baby to be born at this point because the lungs are developed enough that the baby should be able to breathe on his own.

    Month 9

    • The baby begins to prepare for birth and move into the birthing position with his head down into the pelvic bone.

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