Our 9 Months

About 5 to 7 days after a sperm fertilizes an egg, the egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This process is called implantation. The fertilized egg then begins to grow in the uterus, doubling in size every day. At this stage of development the baby is called an embryo.Shortly after implantation the placenta and umbilical cord begin to form. The placenta and umbilical cord provide nourishment and oxygen to your baby and carry away the baby’s wastes. Your baby is enclosed in a sac of fluid, called the amniotic sac, to protect the baby from bumps and pressure.

In another week the baby has a spinal cord. A few days later, five to eight bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) are in place. Nerve development is beginning. By the end of your first 6 weeks of pregnancy, your baby has a head and trunk.

The embryo becomes three layers around the 5th week. The outer layer consists of the brain, nerves, and skin. The middle layer becomes the bones, muscles, blood vessels, heart, and sex organs. The inner layer holds the stomach, liver, intestines, lungs, and urinary tract. The eyes and other features begin to form, as do tiny buds that will be the arms and legs. The heart also forms, and it begins to beat on the 25th day after conception (5 to 6 weeks after the last menstrual period). However, it is impossible to hear the heart beating at this time.

By the end of 6 weeks, your baby is about 1/2 inch long and weighs a fraction of an ounce.

- As the fertilized egg grows, a water-tight sac forms around it, gradually filling with fluid. This is called the amniotic sac, and it helps cushion the growing embryo.

The placenta also develops. The placenta is a round, flat organ that transfers nutrients from the mother to the baby, and transfers wastes from the baby.

A primitive face takes form with large dark circles for eyes. The mouth, lower jaw, and throat are developing. Blood cells are taking shape, and circulation will begin.

By the end of the first month, your baby is about 1/4 inch long – smaller than a grain of rice!