your developing baby

6 - 7 weeks

At seven weeks, the baby is about eight mm long from head to bottom. The brain is developing and the heart is beginning to beat. Physical features, such as the ears, eyes, arms and legs, are also developing.

8 - 9 weeks

At nine weeks, the baby is about 17 mm long from head to bottom. The face is slowly forming, with the eyes becoming more obvious. There is a mouth and tongue. Hands and feet, with ridges where the fingers and toes will be, are also beginning to develop.

10 - 14 weeks

Just 12 weeks after conception, the baby is fully formed. It has all its organs, muscles, limbs and bones. From now on it will grow and mature. The baby is already moving about, but the movements cannot yet be felt. First time mothers tend to feel the baby first move at about 20 weeks, while for second time mothers, the first movements are felt at about 16 weeks.

28 weeks

At 28 weeks, the baby is over 38 cm long and is about 0.9 kg in weight. The baby’s skin begins to develop a white greasy covering called vernix, which waterproofs the skin. The baby’s movements can easily be felt at this stage.

40 weeks

At 40 weeks, the baby is 50 cm long and weighs over 3 kg. Over the past four months the baby has fully developed and the lungs have matured, ready for birth.


Article provided courtesy of The Ministry of Health