Being pregnant is one of the most exciting times of a woman's life. Thinking about the person growing inside you drives the imagination wild, but knowing exactly what stage the baby is at can be very significant. There are many stages to the growth from a fetus to a newborn baby.
One Month
In the first trimester the baby is called an embryo and is made up of two layers of cells. Gender is determined at this stage, but it's not visible on scans yet.
Two Months
The baby is about the size of a kidney bean and webbed fingers are starting to form. Cartilage and bone will be starting to form along with the basic eye structure. The baby starts to move at this stage of the pregnancy.
Three Months
Fingerprints are now in place at this stage and the fetus will weigh nearly an ounce. According to Pregnancy.org the ears start to move to the correct position, vocal cords start to form and the liver starts to function.
Four Months
Now into the second trimester and the fetus is about 5 inches long and the skeleton is starting to form from cartilage into bone. It is now possible to hear the heartbeat on an external monitor and fat begins to build up under the skin. The baby has now learned to breathe and the heart pumps 6 gallons of blood a day.
Five Months
The eyebrows and eyelids have now formed in the correct place and the rapid stage of growth has almost finished, the main job now is to ensure everything works effectively. The heart starts to get stronger, immunity starts to be transferred from mother to baby and the baby is starting to develop the five senses.
Six Months
The baby will now be gaining about 6 ounces per week in order to look like the newborn baby shape. The taste buds have started to form and the baby can react to things eaten by the mother that are bitter or sharp. This is the first week the baby is considered viable and can no longer be terminated.
Seven Months
The pregnancy is now entering the third and final trimester. The hair on the baby's head is now starting to grow and the eyes and eyelashes are noticeable. The baby's lungs are now capable of breathing by themselves and the baby now has the ability to recognize the mother's voice.
Eight Months
The baby is now up to 3 or more pounds in weight and may have stopped moving as much, only because it is short on room. All five of the baby's senses are now working fully and, according to Pregnancy.org, some studies have shown that the baby can have a series of dreams.
Nine Months to Birthdate
By the time the baby is ready to be born the heart should be strong and working perfectly. The lungs are continually developing, ready for the moment they breathe in air for the first time. The nails and hair continue to grow until birth. The baby will now weigh 7 to 8 lbs., which is made up mainly of fat.
