Intrauterine development of a child: periods and stages with a photo. Intrauterine development of the child by months

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The human life cycle is a series of victories and defeats, joys and sorrows. And one of the most important achievements is the birth of a child. This is the moment when a person overflowing with happy emotions begins to feel significant and necessary. Children are the flowers of life that bring their part to the arranged life of their parents and make them relive the memories of their childhood.

The life of a baby begins from the moment of its conception, and, of course, it is very important for future parents to follow how the child develops in utero. The whole pregnancy consists of 40 weeks and is divided into 3 stages.

Stages of development

The stages of intrauterine development of a child in obstetric practice are usually called trimesters. This is a kind of division of the entire pregnancy into three identical periods, according to which the vital activity of the fetus is assessed, tests and ultrasound are prescribed, and the anthropometric data of the pregnant woman is measured. The appearance of any physiological and psycho-emotional changes in the body of the expectant mother is typical for a certain trimester, andif they are not pathological, they are considered normal.

I trimester

Starts at 1 week and ends at 13. This stage is considered the most dangerous, since it is at this time that the fetal egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, if this does not happen, pregnancy does not occur.

Also at this time, the rudiments of future organs and tissues begin to form, so it is very important during this period to monitor your diet, have time to rest and be outdoors more often. At this stage, a woman can overtake such an unpleasant symptom as toxicosis. There is nothing to worry about if it is not very pronounced and protracted, in which case it is best to consult a doctor. Some women may experience the following changes during the first trimester:

• violation of taste perception of food;
• frequent mood swings;
• appearance of drowsiness and headaches.

All this is often associated with a change in the hormonal background and the beginning of the preparation of the body for bearing and giving birth to a child.

II trimester

Begins at 14 weeks and ends at 26. This trimester is characterized as the calmest and most enjoyable period of pregnancy. The intrauterine development of the child continues, and at the same time new sensations appear - this, of course, is the movement of the baby, which the expectant mother begins to clearly feel. In primiparas, this happens at 18-24 weeks, and in multiparous ones, you can notice it starting at 13, because they have already given birth before and know what it is.

IIItrimester

Starts at 27 weeks and ends with delivery. The safest intrauterine period of a child's development, but at the same time very hectic. The child is already almost formed and in case of premature birth is ready for independent existence. A pregnant woman begins to feel a sense of anxiety and fear, the frequent movements of the baby are more distinct, and at some moments you can even notice how the stomach “walks with a shaker”. There are such unpleasant symptoms as heartburn and shortness of breath due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the stomach and diaphragm.

Periods of intrauterine development

The physiological process of child development is usually divided into 3 periods:

1. Embryonic (up to 8 weeks) is the most critical. During this period, a responsible event takes place for the whole body of a woman - the birth of three sheets, which in the future differentiate in 3 different directions: the outer sheet is the future placenta and fetal membrane, the middle one gives rise to the skeleton, skin and muscles, and the inner one is the basis for future internal organs.
2. Fetal (from 9 weeks to birth) - during this period, the unborn baby is called a fetus and the risk of losing a child is significantly reduced. By the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy, the laying of organs and tissues ends, but at the same time, their development is enhanced. The growth of the head slows down and gradually compares with the body, after which the body begins to grow faster than the head. The face begins to acquire human features, and by the grown genitals one can determinegender of the child. In the fetal period until birth, the intrauterine development of the child continues, the photo below shows this perfectly.

Ultrasound during pregnancy

Ultrasound is currently required for evaluation

fetal life and detection of congenital malformations. In total, for the entire period of pregnancy, this procedure must be completed 3-4 times. The first time for a period of 12 weeks, the second - 21-24, the third time - at 32 weeks. During this procedure, the following is evaluated:

• intrauterine development of the child;
• corresponding to the gestational age;
• baby's weight and height;
• its position in the uterine cavity;
• presence of birth defects;
• is there an entanglement with the umbilical cord;
• the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid, as well as their amount.

Intrauterine development of a child by months

1 month. In the first month of pregnancy, there are no special changes in the body of a woman. During this period, the egg is fertilized by the sperm and the zygote is formed, which will actively divide and go to the uterine cavity.

2 month. The intrauterine development of a child in the second month is characterized by the fact that the baby is already forming legs and arms, and fingers on them. All internal systems develop and the heart begins to beat at a frequency of 140-150 beats per minute. The weight of the fetus is 4-5 grams, and the height is 2.4-3 cm.

3 month. This month1st trimester of pregnancy ends. The development of the child continues, and at the same time, the vocal cords, tongue, hair and nails begin to form. The first rudiments of teeth appear in the oral cavity. The digestive and circulatory systems begin their work.

4 month. During this period, the baby becomes larger. All his organs and systems are actively working, and the child himself already knows how to bend and unbend his limbs, push with his legs. Of the special changes, one can note the development of the cerebral cortex, the auricles and the appearance of an individual pattern on the tips of small fingers, and the baby also becomes sensitive to external sounds.

5 month. All systems and organs continue to improve If we talk about the intrauterine development of a child by months, then the fifth month is perhaps the most memorable for a first-time pregnant woman. At this time, she can feel the movement of the fetus and feel the baby inside her. The lungs are still underdeveloped, so you should better monitor your he alth to avoid premature birth.

6 month. This month of pregnancy brings many changes in the development of the fetus. By this time, he had learned to open and close his eyes, on which cilia appeared, and on top of the eyebrows. The genitals are formed, and individual features can be traced on the face. The baby weighs 750g at this time, and the height is approximately 30 cm.

7 month. During this period, the brain and lungs develop rapidly. There is more and more subcutaneous fat, so the skin is smoothed and there are less and less wrinkles on it. The growth of the baby on thismonth - 33 cm, and the weight is about 1-1.2 kg.

8 month. During this period, the child significantly gains weight and increases in height. His skin is covered with thick hair, and the fat layer has become even larger. The baby begins to react violently to all external stimuli.

9 month. The final stage of the entire pregnancy. By this time, the child is fully formed and ready for independent existence. The lanugo (fluff) completely disappeared from his skin, and she herself became smooth and pink.

Advice for pregnant women

During all periods of intrauterine development of the child, one should adhere to the

a few rules and tips:

• Revise your diet and, if necessary, add foods rich in vitamins to it.
• Do not overwork, sleep and rest are important for the full development of the child.
• At the beginning of pregnancy, you should start taking folic acid, naturally, under the supervision of a doctor. Do not use other drugs without prescription.
• If you have bad habits (alcohol, smoking), then you should give them up, because. they do not have a positive impact, rather the opposite.
• Stay outdoors more often, but never overcool.
• Sexual life with a partner can be continued if there are no contraindications.
• Purchase prenatal and postnatal bandage, it will be very useful.
• Clothes should be worn loose, nowherenot restrictive, shoes should be low-heeled.

Pregnancy is a very important period in the life of a woman and her significant other, so it is worth remembering every moment of this wonderful time and just enjoying it.