It is well known that pregnancy duration varies from one woman to another. On average, pregnancy lasts about 42 weeks, during which the fetus develops fully, and labor is expected to occur. In rare cases, delivery may be delayed beyond 40 weeks, but it should not exceed 42 weeks to avoid risks for both mother and baby.
Expectant mothers should be aware of their baby’s development week by week to ensure the pregnancy is progressing normally. In an exclusive conversation with Dr. Alaa Abdel Aziz, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology, we uncover some fascinating secrets about fetal development, trimester by trimester.
🌱 Development from Week 1 to Week 8
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Weeks 1–2: Pregnancy begins with fertilization of the egg by the sperm. At that very moment, the baby’s sex and genetic traits are determined.
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Week 3: Within 30 hours of conception, the fertilized egg divides into two cells. By day 3, it has divided into 16 cells. The embryo is about 1.5–2 mm, with a distinct head and a tiny beating heart.
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Week 4: The embryo measures 2–5 mm, smaller than a grain of rice. Cells rapidly divide, forming the digestive system and early organ buds. The circulatory system begins, along with the inner ear, eyes, tongue, and spinal cord.
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Week 5: Rapid brain development occurs. The mouth, jaw, nose buds, eyes, ears, stomach, liver, and pancreas begin forming. The neural tube closes, becoming part of the central nervous system.
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Week 6: The embryo, about 3 mm long, is now officially called a “fetus.” Pregnancy hormones are secreted, preventing menstruation.
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Week 7: The eyes move closer together, eyelids form, and the optic nerve develops. Thyroid gland, elbows, fingers, and toes form. The anal canal develops, the heart beats strongly, and the placenta anchors itself to the uterine wall.
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Week 8: The fetus measures 1.3 cm and weighs 2–3 grams. The spinal cord grows rapidly, and the head appears disproportionately large compared to the body.
👶 Development from Week 9 to Week 14
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Week 9: Eyes, mouth, and tongue develop. Small muscles allow movement. The liver begins producing blood cells.
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Week 10: The fetus is 2.5 cm long. All organs are now formed. Hands and feet become distinguishable, and brain waves are detectable.
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Week 11: Tooth buds develop, and the heart grows stronger.
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Week 12: Fingers and toes are visible but still connected by thin skin.
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Week 13: The fetus swims actively in the amniotic fluid and measures over 7 cm.
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Week 14: Eyelids fuse over the developed eyes, vocal cords form, and the baby may start sucking its thumb.
🤰 Development from Week 16 to Week 24
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Week 16: The fetus is about 14 cm long. Eyebrows, eyelashes, and taste buds appear.
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Weeks 18–19: Breathing movements can be observed via ultrasound.
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Week 20: The fetus measures 21 cm, can hear muffled sounds, and develops fingerprints. Gender can be determined via ultrasound.
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Week 24: The fetus reaches 33 cm in length. Eyelids open and close, fine hair covers the skin, and a protective waxy coating (vernix) appears. Breathing movements are more refined.
🌟 Development from Week 28 to Week 40
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Week 28: The fetus weighs about 1 kg and measures around 25 cm (head to rump), or 37 cm in total length. The body looks more proportional.
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Week 32: The baby spends most of the time sleeping. Movements are strong and coordinated. Many fetuses assume a head-down position in preparation for birth.
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Week 36: The fetus measures about 46 cm. The head often engages into the mother’s pelvis. Lungs mature quickly, and survival rates outside the womb are excellent.
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Week 40: Full term! The baby measures about 51 cm and weighs around 3 kg, ready for birth and life outside the womb.
✨ Final Note: Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, with each week bringing crucial changes for both mother and baby. Tracking development week by week offers reassurance and strengthens the bond between a mother and her growing child.
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