From the moment you find out you’re expecting, your entire world changes. You begin to worry about things that never bothered you before and research everything down to the smallest detail.

And to think, it all started with a tiny little member – your growing baby. In this article, we’ll go over all you need to know about your baby’s development in the early stages of pregnancy.

Weeks 1 and 2: Conception and Fertilization

During the first two weeks of pregnancy, your body is yet to realize it is potentially growing a baby. It all starts with the meeting of the sperm and egg during ovulation. Once they meet, they combine to form a zygote, which eventually becomes your baby.

It then travels to your uterus, where it will implant into the lining and begin to grow.

Week 3: The Beginning of Your Baby’s Development

Your baby’s development begins at conception, but week 3 marks the start of some major milestones. The fertilized egg starts to divide into multiple cells, then a ball of cells, and finally, a blastocyst.

The blastocyst is a fluid-filled structure that will eventually become the placenta, which nourishes and protects your growing baby. It also forms the embryo, which will become your baby.

Week 4: Implantation and Organ Development

At week 4, your baby has successfully implanted into the lining of your uterus. The embryonic disk, which will eventually become your baby, starts to grow rapidly. During this time, important organs such as the heart, brain, and spinal cord begin to form.

The placenta continues to develop and begins to produce hormones that help sustain the pregnancy.

Week 5: The Heart Begins to Beat

As your baby continues to grow, week 5 marks a significant milestone – the heart starts to beat for the first time.

While it may be too early to detect on an ultrasound, your baby’s heart is rapidly developing, and by the end of the week, it will be a fully formed four-chambered heart. Your baby’s brain, facial features, arm, and leg buds are also developing.

Week 6: Movement and Limb Development

Week 6 marks the beginning of limb development, and tiny arm and leg buds start to sprout. Your baby’s nervous system is also developing, allowing for spontaneous movements such as kicking and stretching.

While you won’t be able to feel your baby’s movements yet, they are active and growing every day.

Week 7: Facial Features and Brain Development

Your baby’s facial features continue to develop during week 7, including eyelids, a nose, and ears. The brain is also rapidly developing, and your baby’s muscles are starting to form.

The umbilical cord, which connects your baby to the placenta, is also growing and providing vital nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby.

Week 8: Sex Organs and Teeth Begin to Develop

At week 8, your baby’s sex organs begin to develop, although it will still be too early to determine the sex on an ultrasound. Tooth buds also begin to form, which will eventually become your baby’s teeth.

Your baby’s fingers and toes are now separated, and the limbs are growing longer and more defined.

Week 9: Reflexes and Movement

During week 9, your baby’s reflexes begin to develop, allowing them to respond to touch. It’s also during this time that your baby will start to move their arms and legs independently from each other.

Main body parts like the arms and legs are also fully formed, and your baby’s skeleton begins to harden.

Week 10: Final Touches

As your baby reaches week 10, they are nearly fully formed, and all the major organs have developed. Your baby’s unique set of fingerprints have started to form, and they can now make facial expressions like frowning and squinting.

Conclusion

The first few weeks of pregnancy are critical and exciting times as your tiny little member grows and develops into a beautiful baby.

While every pregnancy is different, understanding the early stages of fetal development can help you feel more connected to your growing baby. Remember to take care of yourself, eat healthily, and attend all your prenatal appointments to ensure your baby has the best start possible.