A pregnancy lasts about 9 months (40 weeks / 280 days).
1 to 3 months
The fertilized egg cell becomes a complex organism. After 3 to 6 weeks, all basic body parts have started growing.
After 6 weeks, the heart starts beating.
The brain, spinal bone marrow, respiratory system, digestive system, sexual organs and urinary system develop.
The umbilical cord and placenta are in place.
4 to 6 months
The foetus grows fast and the brain develops a lot. The foetus starts to move, for example: bending, kicking, grasping.
The foetus can swallow, suck and yawn.
After 4 months, the doctor or gynaecologist can tell you the baby’s sex.
After about 5 months, you can feel the foetus move.
Nails, skin and body hair appear.
The foetus starts to hear.
7 to 9 months
The foetus becomes 3 times as heavy and twice as big.
It stores up fat to stay warm, protein to build muscles, calcium to grow bones, and other essential nutrients like iron.
The brain develops rapidly.
The lungs are ready for independent breathing by the end of the pregnancy.
The foetus turns around and usually lies with its head down shortly before delivery.
