Full-term pregnancy typically lasts 38 weeks from fertilisation or 40 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last normal menstrual period.
Watch an amazing video by Endowment for Human Development below.
Fertilisation
Pregnancy begins at conception with the union of a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg to form a single-cell embryo. This brand new embryo contains the original copy of a new individual’s complete genetic code. Gender, eye color, and other traits are determined at conception, also known as fertilisation.
At fertilisation, a new and unique human being comes into existence with its own distinct genetic code. Twenty-three chromosomes from the mother and twenty-three chromosomes from the father combine to result in a brand-new and totally unique genetic combination. Whereas the heart, lungs, and hair of a woman all share the same genetic code, her unborn child, from fertilisation, has a separate genetic code that is all its own. There is enough information in this tiny zygote to control human growth and development for the rest of its life.
Eight Days (from fertilisation)
At about eight days after conception, the fertilised ovum (called a blastocyst) implants in the lining of the uterus. It emits chemical substances that weaken the woman's immune system within the uterus so that this tiny "foreign" body is not rejected by the woman's body.
Three Weeks (from fertilisation)
By the third week (approximately 21 days after fertilisation), the heart begins to beat, pumping blood throughout the body, and the brain begins dividing into three primary sections (forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain).
Four Weeks (from fertilisation)
Arms and legs begin taking shape at four weeks, and the embryo is now surrounded and protected by the amniotic sac.
Five Weeks (from fertilisation)
Permanent kidneys appear during the fifth week, and the external portions of the ear begin to differentiate. Hands and wrists are also beginning to take shape.
Six Weeks (from fertilisation)
By the sixth week, an EEG (electroencephalogram) can detect brain waves. This is the legal standard for determining if someone is alive after birth. The heartbeat can be heard with an ultrasonic stethoscope, the embryo responds reflexively to stimulus and may be able to feel pain. Bone ossification begins at this point as well.
Seven Weeks (from fertilisation)
Startle responses can be observed after 7 weeks, and female ovaries are now identifiable. Fingers and toes are now distinctly separated, and knee joints are present.
Eight Weeks (from fertilisation)
By the eighth week following fertilisation, every organ is present and in place. Ninety percent of the structures found in an adult human being can now be found in this tiny embryo which is only about an inch and a half long. The brain, at this point, makes up almost half of the embryo's total body weight, and 75% of 8-week embryos demonstrate right-hand dominance. Intermittent breathing motions (though there is no air present in the uterus) occur, the kidneys begin producing urine, and male testes are releasing testosterone. As the skin thickens, it loses much of its transparency.
After 8 weeks, the developing human is called a fetus, which means “little one” or “unborn offspring.”
Nine Weeks (from fertilisation)
The eyelids close at this point, and fetuses are now capable of sucking their thumb, swallowing amniotic fluid, grasping objects and responding to touch. The uterus can be recognised in female fetuses and external genitalia become more recognisable.
Ten Weeks (from fertilisation)
Experts estimate the 10-week embryo possesses approximately 90% of the 4,500 body parts found in adults. This means that approximately 4,000 permanent body parts are present just eight weeks after fertilisation.
Fingernails, toenails and unique fingerprints all appear.
Eleven Weeks (from fertilisation)
Twelve Weeks (from fertilisation)
Twenty-One Weeks (from fertilisation)
Viability generally begins at 21-weeks (barely 1/2 of full gestation) when a baby has a 15% chance of survival outside the womb.
Birth
The fetus initiates labour by stimulating the adrenal cortex to secrete a hormone that induces the mother's uterus to begin contracting. It is the fetus who determines when it's time for birth.
Where do These Images Come From?
