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BABY MIRACLES, INC.
Office
2173 Salk Avenue, Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008-7383
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2772
San Marcos, CA 92079
Phone
(760) 743.0601
Facsimile
(760) 743.0695
E-mail
Surrogacy:
Egg Donation:
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Development of the Embryo and Fetus from conception until birth
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Fertilization: the sperm and egg join.
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These embryos are called blastocysts. The upper embryo in the photo is an expanded blastocyst; the bottom embryo is an early blastocyst.
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The embryo may float freely in the uterus for about 48 hours before implanting. Upon implantation, complex connections between the mother and embryo develop to form the placenta.
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The fourth week marks the beginning of the embryonic period, when the baby's brain, spinal cord, heart and other organs begin to form. The embryo is now made of three layers. The top layer — the ectoderm — will give rise to a groove along the midline of your baby's body. This will become the neural tube, where your baby's brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and backbone will develop. The baby's heart and a primitive circulatory system will form in the middle layer of cells — the mesoderm. This layer of cells will also serve as the foundation for the baby's bones, muscles, kidneys and much of the reproductive system. The inner layer of cells — the endoderm — will become a simple tube lined with mucous membranes. The baby's lungs, intestines and bladder will develop here. The baby is now 1/25 of an inch long.
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The embryo's tiny heart has begun beating - all four chambers of the heart are now functioning and blood is now pumping. With these changes, circulation begins — making the circulatory system the first functioning organ system. The neural tube enlarges into three parts, soon to become a very complex brain. The placenta begins functioning and the umbilical cord develops (it’s job is to pump in oxygen, remove waste, and supply the necessary nutrients for the remainder of the pregnancy). The spine and spinal cord grows faster than the rest of the body at this stage and give the appearance of a tail that disappears as the baby continues to grow. The embryo is now about 1/17 inch long – about the size of the tip of a pen.
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The neural tube along the baby's back is now closed, and the heart is beating with a regular rhythm. Basic facial features will begin to appear, including the nostrils, an opening for the mouth and passageways that will make up the inner ear. The digestive and respiratory systems begin to form as well. Small blocks of tissue that will form the baby's connective tissue, ribs and muscles are developing along the baby's midline. Small buds will soon grow into arms and legs. The primordial of the liver, pancreas, lungs, and stomach are evident. Transvaginal ultrasound can pick up 86% of the fetal poles with heart motion and 100% of the yolk sac at this point. Approx. length: 0.20 inches
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The umbilical cord — the link between the baby and the placenta — is now clearly visible. The cavities and passages needed to circulate spinal fluid in the brain have formed, but the skull is still transparent. The arm bud that sprouted last week now resembles a tiny paddle; the elbows form, fingers start developing, and feet start to appear with tiny notches for toes. The face takes on more definition this week, as a mouth perforation, tiny nostrils and ear indentations become visible. The intestines start to form in the umbilical cord and teeth begin to develop under the gums. Approx. length: 0.33 inches
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The baby will develop webbed fingers and toes this week. Wrists, elbows and ankles are clearly visible, and the eyelids are beginning to form. The ears, upper lip and tip of the nose also become recognizable.
As the heart becomes more fully developed, it will pump at 150 beats a minute — about twice the usual adult rate. Cartilage and bones begin to form, the tongue begins to develop, and the intestines move out of the umbilical cord and into the abdomen. Approx. length (crown to rump): 0.61 inches (1.6cm) & weight: 0.04 ounces (1gm).
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The embryonic tail at the bottom of your baby's spinal cord is shrinking, helping him or her look less like a tadpole and more like a developing person. The fetus has begun movement; most joints are formed and can bend and flex. The baby's head (which is nearly half the size of his or her entire body) is tucked down onto the chest. Nipples and hair follicles begin to form. The baby's pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder and anus are in place. The internal reproductive organs, such as testes or ovaries, start to develop. The baby may begin moving this week, but will not be felt for quite a while yet. Approx. length (crown to rump): 0.9 inches (2.3cm) & weight: 0.07 ounces (2gm).
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The heart is almost completely developed and very much resembles that of a newborn baby. An opening the atrium of the heart and the presence of a bypass valve divert much of the blood away from the lungs, as the fetus' blood is oxygenated through the placenta. The embryonic tail has disappeared completely, and the baby has fully separated fingers and toes. The bones of the skeleton begin to form. The baby's eyelids are no longer transparent, although they are fused shut. The outer ears are starting to assume their final form, and tooth buds are forming as well. If your baby is a boy, his testes will start producing the male hormone testosterone. The placenta begins to function this week or next. Approx. length (crown to rump): 1.22 inches (8.1cm) & weight: 0.14 ounces (4gm).
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The baby is now officially described as a “fetus.” Nearly all structures and organs are formed and beginning to function. Fingers and toes have separated, hair and nails begin to grow, genitals begin to take on the proper gender characteristics (although it will be several weeks yet before you can tell the sex on ultrasound), amniotic fluid begins to accumulate as the kidneys begin to function, and the muscles in the intestinal walls begin to practice contractions that digest food. Approx. length (crown to rump): 1.61 inches (4.1cm) & weight: 0.25 ounces (7gm).
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This week marks the arrival of fingernails and toenails. The baby's chin and nose will become more refined as well. Vocal cords are complete and the baby can and does sometimes cry (silently). The brain is fully formed. The eyes begin to move closer together, ears shift to their normal place on the side of the head, intestines move farther into the body, the liver begins to function, and the pancreas begins to produce insulin. By the end of the week, the baby's external genitalia will develop into a recognizable penis or clitoris and labia majora. Approx. length (crown to rump): 2.13 inches (5.4cm) & weight: 0.49 ounces (14gm).
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Photo above shows identical twins; they share one placenta and develop together within one amniotic sac. It cannot be felt yet, but the baby can move in a jerky fashion — flexing the arms and kicking the legs. This week, the baby might even be able to put a thumb in his or her mouth. Inhaling and exhaling movements begin, eyes and ears continue to move and develop, the neck is getting longer and the chin is no longer resting on the chest, and the baby’s hands are becoming more functional. At this point, nourishment is received from the placenta. You should be able to hear a heartbeat with a Doppler by now. Approx. length (crown to rump): 2.91 inches (7.4cm) & weight: 0.81 ounces (23gm);
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The thyroid gland has mature and begins to produce hormones; the effect of hormones becomes apparent this week. For boys, the prostate gland is developing and for girls, the ovaries move from the abdomen into the pelvis. Meconium (which will become your baby's first bowel movement after birth) is made in the baby’s intestinal tract. Approx. length (crown to rump): 3.42 inches (8.7cm) & weight: 1.52 ounces (43gm).
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The baby's skin starts out nearly transparent so blood vessels are visible. Eyebrows and scalp hair may make an appearance. For babies destined to have dark hair, the hair follicles will begin producing pigment. The bone and marrow that make up the baby's skeletal system are continuing to develop this week and his or her (that have almost reached their final position) and eyes and now have a baby-like appearance. Approx. length (crown to rump): 3.98 inches (10.1cm) & weight: 247 ounces (70gm).
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The baby's eyes are becoming sensitive to light. More developed facial muscles may lead to various expressions, such as squinting and frowning. The baby may have frequent bouts of hiccups as well. For girls, millions of eggs are forming in the ovaries. The genitals are developed sufficiently and the sex can be seen by the trained eye; you might even hear the tiny thumps of the heartbeat with an external monitor. The baby is now sucking, swallowing and blinking and has learned to breath, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. The baby can grasp with his or her hands, kick, and even do summersaults. Approx. length (crown to rump): 4.57 inches (11.6cm) & weight: 3.53 ounces (100gm).
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The baby now has a more normal “human” appearance; the eyes are looking forward now but they are still firmly closed and pads are forming on the tiny fingertips and toes. Meconium (composed of products of cell loss, digestive secretion and swallowed amniotic fluid), is accumulating in the bowel. The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger. Fat stores begin to develop under your baby's skin this week. The fat will provide energy and help keep your baby warm after birth. Approx. length (crown to rump): 5.12 inches (13cm) & weight: 4.97 ounces (140gm).
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The placenta continues to grow to nourish the baby. Tiny sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs and vocal cords are formed. Features of the baby’s heart, including ventricles and chambers, should be visible during ultrasound. As the nerve endings from the baby's brain "hook up" to the ears, he or she may hear a rumbling stomach or blood moving through the umbilical cord and may even be startled by loud noises. Ther baby can swallow this week, too. Approx. length (crown to rump): 5.59 inches (14.2cm) & weight: 6.7 ounces (190gm).
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The baby's delicate skin is now protected with a pasty white coating called vernix. Under the vernix, a fine, down-like hair called lanugo covers his or her body. The baby's kidneys are already producing urine, which is excreted into the amniotic sac that surrounds and protects the baby. Scalp hair becomes apparent this week. Milk teeth buds have developed and over the next few days the buds for the permanent teeth will begin to form behind the milk teeth. If the baby is female, the uterus starts to develop and the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes are in place and if it’s a boy, the genitals are distinct and recognizable. The baby has the same awake and sleep patterns of a newborn and has a favorite sleep position. Approx. length (crown to rump): 6.46 inches (16.4cm) & weight: 10.58 ounces (300gm).
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The baby can now hear; fingernails and fingerprints appear, the legs reach their relative size, immunities are being transferred; nerve cells for taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch are now developing in the brain; and the sex organs are visible. Though still small and fragile, the baby is growing rapidly and could possibly survive if born at this stage. The baby’s movements can probably be felt by now. Under the protection of the vernix, the baby's skin is thickening and developing layers. Approx. length (crown to rump): 6.46 inches (16.4cm) (crown to & weight: 10.58 ounces (300g).
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Although the placenta provides nearly all of the baby's nourishment, the baby will begin to absorb small amounts of sugar from swallowed amniotic fluid. This week, the baby’s bone marrow starts making blood cells — a job done by the liver and spleen until this point. The baby’s tongue is fully formed. Wake and sleep periods become more consistent. Approx. length (now measured crown to heel): 10.51 inches (26.7cm) (crown to heel) & weight: 12.7 ounces (360g).
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The baby can hear better now; the eyelids and eyebrows are formed; fingernails have grown to the end of the fingers; the brain has entered a stage of rapid growth; the liver is starting to break down bililrubin (a waste product that is formed when red blood cells die and hemoglobin is broken down). Taste buds are starting to form on the baby's tongue, and his/her brain and nerve endings can process the sensation of touch. The baby may experiment by feeling his or her face or anything else within reach. For boys, the testes begin to descend from the abdomen this week. For girls, the uterus and ovaries are in place — complete with a lifetime supply of eggs. Approx. length: 10.94 inches (27.8cm) & weight: 1.0 lb. (430g).
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The baby will begin to look more like a newborn as the skin becomes less transparent and fat production kicks into high gear. The lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, the substance that allows the air sacs in the lungs to inflate — and keeps them from collapsing and sticking together when they deflate. "Practice" breathing moves amniotic fluid in and out of your baby's lungs. The eyes are formed although the iris still lacks pigmentation; the pancreas (essential in the production of hormones) is developing and the baby has begun to produce insulin; if born now, the baby has a 15% chance of survival with intensive medical care. Approx. length: 11.38 inches & weight: 1.1 lb. (501g).
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The baby is now gaining weight more rapidly, mostly bone mass, muscle and organs; taste buds begin to form; footprints and fingerprints are forming; muscular coordination of the hands has improved and the baby can suck his/her thumb. Thanks to a fully developed inner ear, which controls balance, the baby may have a sense of whether he or she is upside-down or right side up in the womb. Regular sleeping and waking cycles may be noticeable. The lungs are developing cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily. This week the baby is officially considered viable! Babies born at 24 weeks have more than a 50 percent chance of survival. The odds get better with every passing week. Still, complications are frequent and serious. Approx. length: 11.8 inches (30cm) & weight: 1.3 lbs. (600g).
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The structures of the spine begin to form; blood vessels of the lungs develop; the nostrils begin to open; the swallowing reflexes are developing; the baby’s hands are now fully developed, although the nerve connections to the hands have a long way to go. Exploring the structures inside the uterus may become baby's prime entertainment.Approx. length (crown to heel): 13.6 inches (34.6cm) & weight: 1.46 lbs. (660g).
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The eyebrows and eyelashes are well formed, and the hair on your baby's head is longer and more plentiful. Although your baby's eyes are fully developed, they may not open for another two weeks. The spine is getting stronger and is now made up of 150 joints, 33 rings, and about 1,000 ligaments. Air sacs in the lungs are forming. Approx. length (crown to heel): 14.0 inches (35.6cm) & weight: 1.7 lbs. (760g).
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The baby's lungs, liver and immune system are continuing to mature — and he or she has been growing like a weed. At 27 weeks, the baby's length will have tripled or even quadrupled from the 12-week mark. The baby’s brain continues its rapid growth and the lungs continue to grow and prepare for functioning outside of the womb. He or she continues to take small breaths, breathing fluid instead of air, but good practice for later. If the baby is born this week, the chance of survival is at least 85 percent, however, serious complications are still possible. Approx. length: 14.4 inches (36.6cm) & weight: 1.9 lbs. (875g).
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The baby's eyes are beginning to open and close and he or she can distinguish between light and dark. The color has been established, but may change within the first six months of life — especially if your baby's eyes are blue or gray-blue at birth. Eyebrows and eyelashes are very noticeable. Muscle tone is improving and the lungs are capable of breathing now, although the baby would struggle and require medical assistance. The baby is now sleeping for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Fetal movement will be most obvious when sitting or lying down. Approx length: 14.8 inches (37.6cm) & weight: 2.2 lbs. (1005g).
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The baby's bones are fully developed, but they're still soft and pliable. This week, the baby begins storing iron, calcium and phosphorus. His or her head is in proportion to the body now and the brain can control primitive breathing and body temperatures. The baby’s eyes can move in their sockets and he or she is increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste and smell. The baby is moving from side to side but is probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, he or she will move to the head down birthing position. Some of the baby's jabs and punches may take your breath away. Approx. length: 15.2 inches (38.6cm) & weight: 2.54 lbs. (1153g).
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The baby now spends more time practicing opening his or her eyes, which can move from side to side, following a light source. Toenails are entering their final growth stage. Early lanugo is beginning to disappear. His or her head is getting larger to accommodate a period of rapid brain growth. Don't forget to continue to "teach" the baby in the womb by playing music or reading. Approx. length: 15.7 inches (39.9cm) & weight: 2.91 lbs. (1319g).
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If the baby is a boy, his testicles are moving from their location near the kidneys through the groin on their way into the scrotum. If your baby is a girl, her clitoris is now relatively prominent. The lungs are the only major organ left to complete development. ). If born this week, he or she will probably need a ventilator to breathe. The baby’s rate of growth slows down a bit, but fat continues to accumulate, turning the color of the skin from red to pink. Calcium, phosphorus and iron are being stored and the baby’s bones, which are growing and hardening. He or she may move to the rhythm of music. Approx. length: 16.2 inches (41.1cm) & weight: 3.3 lbs. (1502g).
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As space in the uterus becomes more cramped, the baby's kicks and other movements may seem less forceful. He or she sleeps 90-95% of the day and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming. Nearly all babies born at this age survive the challenges of premature birth. Approx. length: 16.7 inches (42.4cm) & weight: 3.75 lbs. (1702g).
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Amniotic fluid is at its highest level at this time. The baby’s head size is increasing due to rapid brain growth. While most of the baby’s bones are hardening, the skull is quite pliable and not completely joined. The bones will be able to move slightly to go through the birth canal. The baby continues to gain about 1/2 pound a week, and his or her lungs are more completely developed. Babies born this week need extra attention, but almost all will be healthy. Approx. length: 17.2 inches (43.7cm) & weight: 4.23 lbs. (1918g).
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The pasty white coating that protects your baby's skin (vernix) gets thicker this week. When the baby is born, you may see traces of vernix firsthand, especially under the arms, behind the ears and in the groin area. The soft, downy hair that covered the baby under the vernix for the past few months is now almost completely gone. Antibodies from the mother’s blood are being transferred to the baby and will continue to build until birth. The baby may already have turned to the head-down position in preparation for birth. Approx. length: 17.7 inches (45cm) & weight: 4.7 lbs. (2146g).
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The baby continues to pack on the pounds and store fat all over his or her body. The crowded conditions inside the uterus may make it harder for the baby to give a punch, but stretches, rolls and wiggles can be felt. The baby’s hearing is fully developed, so be sure to play music, sing, and talk to the baby. Approx. length: 18.2 inches (46.2cm) & weight: 5.3 lbs. (2383g).
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The baby is almost ready to be born. The only organ that still needs to mature are the lungs. Every day the baby remains in the womb increases the chances of breathing on his or her own. The baby’s kidneys are now fully developed and his or her liver has begun processing waste products. Recent fat deposits have rounded out the baby's face, and his or her powerful sucking muscles are ready for action. If the baby hasn’t already done so, he or she may move into the head down position and drop down into the birth canal. Approx. length: 18.66 inches (47.4cm) & weight: 5.78 lbs. (2622g).
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By the end of this week, the baby will be considered full-term. As fat continues to accumulate, the baby's body will slowly become rounder. The baby continues to practice breathing movements and his or her grasp is firm now. The baby now turns towards light outside the uterus. Approx. length: 19.1 inches (48.6cm) & weight: 6.3 lbs. (2859g).
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The baby’s brain and nervous system are working better every day; this developmental process will continue through childhood and adolescence. The intestines are accumulating meconium (the baby’s first bowel movement). He or she may have a full head of hair now. The baby may have hiccups frequently, a result of breathing amniotic fluid into his or her windpipe. Approx. length: 19.6 inches (49.8cm) & weight: 6.8 lbs. (3083g).
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The baby has a sufficient amount of stored body fat to help regulate his or her temperature upon birth. The placenta continues to supply the baby with antibodies that will help fight infection the first six months after birth. Approx. length: 19.9 inches (50.7cm) & weight: 7.25 lbs. (3288g).
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The baby is ready for life outside the womb. At birth the placenta will detach from the side of the uterus and the umbilical cord will cease working as the baby takes his or her first breaths of air. The baby’s breathing will trigger changes in the structure of the heart and bypass arteries, which will force all blood to now travel through the lungs. 15% of the baby’s body is fat and approximately 60-75% is water. Approx. length: 20.2 inches (51.2cm) & weight: 7.6 lbs. (3462g).
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