Month One: During your first month of pregnancy, your baby reaches a half inch in length and is called an embryo. Amazingly, the circulatory system and other vital organs have begun to form, including the heart, brain, lungs, eyes and ears. The placenta and umbilical cord are develop­ing, and the baby is well protected from harm in a sac of liquid called amniotic fluid. 

Month Two: By eight weeks, arms and legs are starting to form, and the embryo is beginning to look more human. Fingers and toes are growing and facial features are becoming more pro­nounced. The head seems huge compared to the body because the brain is growing at a very rapid pace. By the end of eight weeks the embryo is about one inch long.

The embryonic period ends two months after your baby is conceived. By this time, all essential structures are present.

Month Three: By three months, the baby is called a fetus. It is starting to grow faster and is now four inches long. Fingernails and toenails are grow­ing and, for some, a little hair may sprout. If you could see inside the uterus, you could determine the sex. At this time, we may be able to detect the baby’s heartbeat with a spe­cial stethoscope.

Month Four: During the fourth month, many women begin to “look” pregnant. After all, the fast-growing fetus is now more than six inches long. The baby’s teeth, eyelids and eyelashes and extremities are developing in detail.

The fetal period, which lasts from the end of the second month through birth, is characterized by rapid growth and continuing definition of structures already present.

Month Five: You may feel the baby move for the first time. A word about this: if you feel that lit­tle flutter of life one day and not again for several days, DON’T BE ALARMED. Because your baby is suspended in a sea of amniotic fluid, you may not be able to feel its every move. And then, the fetus may get very active for a day or two, then settle down for a few days. It needs rest, too! It has now grown to 10 inches in length. 

Month Six: By this time, the fetus resembles a miniature infant except for its reddish, wrinkled skin.  It measures about 12 inches in length and starts to move with increased frequency. 

Month Seven: From seven to nine months, you’ll gain the most weight and your baby is growing incredibly fast - up to 14 inches long by now. With special care, babies born now can survive.

Month Eight: At this stage, the fetus is about 17 inches long and weighs around 4 pounds. The baby’s bones and nails are hardening and wrinkles disappear as fat begins depositing under the skin. Babies born during this month are still premature but have a very good chance of survival. 

Month Nine: The baby’s size and activity level during the last month may cause the mother consider­able discomfort. You may have difficulty sleeping and need to urinate more frequently than before because the baby is putting more pressure on your bladder. At full term, the average baby weighs seven-and-a-half pounds and measures 20 inches in length.

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