Conception – a new life is created! The DNA in the 46 chromosomes of that small cell contain full instructions about this new person’s sex, eye color, shoe size, brain capacity and other physical traits. Every person’s life begins at conception – as a single, separate, living cell. After this point, nothing new is added except nutrition and oxygen.

Week One – At about the sixth day, the growing child attaches to the wall of the mother’s uterus. The uterus’ nutrient-rich lining welcomes the tiny tenant and soon the child is sending out the “all systems go” chemical signal that can be detected on a home pregnancy test.

Weeks 3-4 – The baby’s heart is beating! The heart begins to beat as early as 18 days after conception and is beating strongly by 21 days. The baby’s development is rapid during this time. Between three and four weeks, the baby’s head and spinal column become easily distinguishable, and arm buds appear. Legs will begin to appear just days later. The umbilical cord forms, transporting the child oxygen and nutrients absorbed from the mother’s blood by the placenta.

Week 6 – Already fingers are forming and the child’s mouth and lips are apparent! During this time, the baby begins to make his or her first movements. Blood courses through the little body – often a different blood type then the mother’s. At six weeks, the baby has brain waves that can be measured with an electroencephalogram.

Weeks 7-8 – At seven weeks, the baby swims freely in the womb with a natural swimmer’s stroke. Even though the baby is moving, the mother does not begin to feel the baby’s movements until about 4½ months into the pregnancy. As early as eight weeks, the baby begins to swallow the amniotic fluid. Some babies even begin hiccupping!

Weeks 10-11– The baby’s little feet are perfectly shaped. The baby also has eyelids, fingernails and fingerprints. The baby can even grasp an object placed in the hand! The kidneys are beginning to form urine and the baby begins to mimic breathing. All the baby’s body systems are in place and active. The baby has a skeletal structure, nerves and circulation. From this point on, there is only growth in the size and maturation of the organs already present.

Week 14– The baby’s little feet are perfectly shaped. The baby also has eyelids, fingernails and fingerprints. The baby can even grasp an object placed in the hand! The kidneys are beginning to form urine and the baby begins to mimic breathing. All the baby’s body systems are in place and active. The baby has a skeletal structure, nerves and circulation. From this point on, there is only growth in the size and maturation of the organs already present.

Week 16– The baby is now big enough that his or her movements can be felt by the mother.

Week 20– In the fifth and sixth months, the baby responds to a number of outside stimuli: music, sudden noises, and voices. The baby will especially respond to the sound of its mother’s voice. Babies at this age also respond to pats on the mother’s abdomen, and react with pleasure, excitement, anxiety or fear to various external and environmental stimuli.

Week 23– The baby could now survive outside the mother’s womb. Not long ago, the age of survival – or viability – was 30 weeks; then 25 weeks. Today it’s 23 weeks. From this point until birth the baby simply gains weight and strength. When the baby’s ready to meet the outside world he or she will arrive.

Fetal development information taken from A Baby’s First Months published by National Right to Life Education Trust Fund. www.nrlc.org