Up to ten weeks
This is a time of very rapid and crucial development - your baby quadruples in size. The embryo is lying in the centre of a large placental cocoon and is still very tiny. As the embryo develops, its cells are constantly changing to make new structures.
Your baby at ten weeks of pregnancy
© DK
Your baby's progress
Inside the tube that will eventually become your baby's brain and spinal cord, the cells multiply at an amazing rate, then move away to the areas where they will become active. The nerve cells that will form the brain travel along pathways that are being laid down by glial (glue) cells. These cells allow the nerve cells to move towards each other, connect, and become active. Your baby's head is growing rapidly in order to make room for the enlarging brain, and the body is becoming less curved. A neck begins to develop and the primeval tail disappears.
The skin now starts to develop into its two layers, and the sweat glands and sebaceous (oil-producing) glands begin to form. Hair then starts to grow from the hair follicles so that the skin becomes downy. All the major organs develop. The heart achieves its final form and beats strongly. The stomach, liver, spleen, appendix, and intestine develop. The intestine becomes so long it forms a loop, the circulatory system is established, and most muscles begin to take on their final form.
Facial features
Under the skin on the baby's face, a primitive bone structure develops and these bones are now fusing together. One of these goes down between the eyes and ends on either side of the nostrils, thus forming the nose and the middle of the upper lip. Two others appear under the eyes, forming the cheeks and sides of the upper lip. Two more grow under the mouth, fusing to form the lower lip and chin. There's already some pigment in the eyes, which are covered and very far apart. The inside and outside parts of the ears begin to form and the taste buds start developing. The tooth buds of all non-permanent teeth are in place.
Arms and legs
The baby's embryonic limbs continue to develop. Wrists and fingers appear on the arm buds, which become longer and project forwards. The arms become bent at the elbow. Touch-pads form on the fingertips. Leg buds sprout, then develop three distinct sections - thigh, calf, and foot. Toes start to appear. At this stage, your baby's arms and hands grow faster than her legs and feet. This trend will continue after your baby's been born - she'll be able to grasp objects long before she starts walking.
Mothers at ten weeks of pregnancy
Some women find that morning sickness is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Other changes happen that may not be as noticeable.
Posted 30.06.2010
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