At the point of conception, the egg is already two weeks old. When the sperm unites with the egg, 46 chromosomes combine to determine all of the physical characteristics that you and I possess today. Your baby’s DNA is the blueprint that will map out every unique detail of who he or she will be, right down to height, eye color, sex, even temperament. 30 hours after conception the zygote rapidly divides and floats down the fallopian tube to the uterus. At one week old, the blastocyst searches for a place to implant. The yolk sack produces blood cells. It is 1/6 of an inch long. It is developing a backbone, spinal column, nervous system, kidneys, liver, and intestines.
“Before I (God) formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jer.1:5 NIV
2 Week old baby in the womb:
The embryo is about the size of a pinhead. At two weeks old the baby has a tail, arm and leg buds and eyes. It produces hormones which stop the menstrual cycle.
4 Week old baby in the womb:
It is the size of a raisin (about 1/4 inch long) and begins to pump blood. At five weeks, the baby has a mouth, tongue, muscle system and blood type. It practices moving.
6 Week old baby in the womb:
It has a heartbeat and is 1/2 an inch long. It swims and moves gracefully, has longer arms and legs, fingers and most importantly, brain waves.
8 Week old baby in the womb:
Now called a fetus, or Latin for “little one” or “small one,” the baby’s heart is almost complete, 20 baby teeth are forming under the gums and is about 1 1/2 inches long.
10 Week old baby in the womb:
The baby is about 2 1/2 inches long and weighs about 1/2 ounce. It’s fingers and toes have fingernails.
12 Week old baby in the womb:
About 3 1/2 inches long and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. The baby’s sex can be determined at this point.
14 Week old baby in the womb:
At thirteen weeks, it has adult taste buds. At fourteen weeks it is 5 1/2 inches long and weighs 6 ounces, has fine body hair, grasps and kicks.
16 Week old baby in the womb:
Your baby weighs about 8 ounces.
18 Week old baby in the womb:
About 6 1/4 inch long and 3/4 pound. A woman can usually feel her baby moving.
20 Week old baby in the womb:
About 7 1/2 inches long and weighs one pound. It’s kidneys are starting to work and it is becoming more active.
22 Week old baby in the womb:
At twenty weeks, the baby hears its mother’s voice, has hair (on its head, eyebrows and eyelashes), and a skeleton can be detected. It is possible for the baby to survive if born now.
28 Week old baby in the womb:
About 10 1/2 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds. The baby can open and close its eyes. It has a 96% survival rate if born now.
32 Week old baby in the womb:
About 12 inches long and weighs about 4 1/2 pounds. Fat continues to accumulate. Has a 99% survival rate if born now.
36 Week old baby in the womb:
About 13 1/2 inches and weighs about 6 1/2 pounds.
What to Expect When Expecting
When I got pregnant with my first child, someone had gotten me the book What to Expect When Expecting. I read it from cover to cover. Then when I got pregnant again, and again, I read it again and again. I enjoyed this book while I was pregnant and recommend it to every expectant mom (and dad). It is a month to month guide to your changing body, hormones, mood, and of course, baby.
For Every Great Battle, There is a Great Victory!!