A BABY'S FIRST DAYS

DAY ONE-- development begins on the day of fertilization. From the moment of conception a new human person is formed, complete with all the genetic material necessary for life.

DAY 18-25-- the heart begins to beat!! The embryo is 1/100 of an inch long. The foundation for the nervous system is laid down by the 20th day.

DAY 42-- the skeleton is complete and reflexes are present. Electrical brain waves have been recorded as early as 43 days!

6 WEEKS-- the baby is over 1/2 inch long already. She has all the internal organs of an adult.

8 WEEKS--- This little one is already 1 inch long. The term fetus, which we now use, means "young one". If we tickle the baby's nose, he will flex his head backwards away from the stimulus.

9-10 WEEKS-- he squints, swallows, moves his tongue, and if you stroke his palm, he will make a fist!

11-12 WEEKS--he sucks his thumb vigorously and breathes amniotic fluid to develop the organs of respiration. Fingernails are also present by now. All body systems are functioning now. The fetal heartbeat is now detected electronically. He is about 2 1/2 inches long now--from head to rump(bottom).

14 WEEKS--the kidneys are making urine. The fetus is about 3 1/2 inches long.

16 WEEKS--eyelashes are now present!! The baby will react to touch and noises. The fetus is growing rapidly. It is now about 5 1/2 inches long, weighing a half a pound or more.

20 WEEKS-- first time moms will feel the baby moving. With second pregnancies, she might feel movement as early as the 16th week.

24 WEEKS-- 4 out of 10 babies will live if born now. The fetus is about 9 inches now.

28 WEEKS-- the eyes are open. About 9 out of 10 babies will survive if born now. The baby is growing by leaps and bounds now! It will increase in length from 13 inches to 20 inches by birth and will triple in weight. She experiences the four senses of vision, hearing, taste, and touch. She is now awaiting the miracle of her birth!!

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