Baby Development

"I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN TOLD"

Millions of women have had abortions. Some claim no regrets, however, many face a startling awareness when they become pregnant years later for a planned child. They wished they had seen an ultrasound or had been told about the remarkable abilities of their unborn baby before making that decision. Here are a few brief descriptions of life before birth.

Day 1 - The second your egg is fertilized by a sperm, it contains the plans for every detail of the baby's development, including sex, hair and eye color, and height.

Week 3 - The brain, spinal chord, and nervous system develop.

Week 4 - The heart begins to beat.

Week 5 - Arms with hands & fingers, legs with feet & toes, and eyes can be
seen.

Week 6-8 - Brain waves can be detected.

Week 9 - The body is nearly complete. Internal organs are present and functioning. Changes after the ninth week are primarily changes in size, rather than appearance.

Week 13 - The baby moves vigorously and can make a tight fist. The mother will not be able to feel movement until the fourth or fifth month. The fetus can experience pain.

Month 4 - The baby is 8-10 inches long and weighs 1/2 pound.

Month 5 - The baby may jump in response to a loud noise.

Month 6 - If the baby was born during this month and given special care, he or she could survive.

 

REFERENCE:

"Making an Informed Decision About Your Pregnancy", Frontlines Publishing, 2001.

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