Week by Week

The Journey of Life

Highlights of Early Life

1–3 Weeks (3–5 Weeks Since LMP)

At the moment of fertilization, a completely new DNA code is formed — a one-of-a-kind human being.
By the end of week three, the brain, spinal cord, and heart are already beginning to take shape, and the heart begins to beat.

4 Weeks (6 Weeks Since LMP)

The baby's heart is actively pumping their own blood, separate from their mother's.
Arms and legs begin forming, and the brain is rapidly expanding with new neural connections.

5 Weeks (7 Weeks Since LMP)

The baby reflexively moves away from gentle touch near the face.
Tiny fingers are starting to take form — a glimpse of the hands that will someday reach for you.

6 Weeks (8 Weeks Since LMP)

Brain waves have been recorded at just over six weeks — the first electrical signs of thought and sensation.
The baby now measures about 1.6 cm from head to heel, growing quickly and purposefully.

7 Weeks (9 Weeks Since LMP)

The hands start to move, and the neck can flex and turn.
Your baby may even begin to hiccup — signs of vibrant life.

8 Weeks (10 Weeks Since LMP)

Fingers and toes are fully separated, and hundreds of muscles are present.
Already, many babies show signs of being right- or left-handed, moving in little patterns unique to them.

9 Weeks (11 Weeks Since LMP)

The baby can now sigh, yawn, and even begin thumb-sucking.
The face, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet are sensitive to touch.

10 Weeks (12 Weeks Since LMP)

Tiny fingernails and toenails appear as bones begin hardening.
Your baby's unique fingerprints — never before seen in human history — are starting to form.

11 Weeks (13 Weeks Since LMP)

The baby's nose and lips are fully formed, and complex facial expressions are possible.
They can even smile or frown in the womb.

12 Weeks (14 Weeks Since LMP)

Taste buds develop, and the baby's arms grow in proportion to their body.
Head to heel length is now about 12.5 cm — a perfect little person in miniature.

13–14 Weeks (15–16 Weeks Since LMP)

The baby responds to touch and begins forming early memories.
If you’re waiting, soon you may feel the first flutter of movement — your baby saying hello.

15–16 Weeks (17–18 Weeks Since LMP)

Energy storage begins as baby fat forms.
Inside the lungs, the bronchial tree (airways) completes its beautiful, intricate design.

17–20 Weeks (19–22 Weeks Since LMP)

Rapid eye movements begin — like a dreaming child.
By 20 weeks, the baby hears sounds from the world outside and recognizes familiar voices.

21–24 Weeks (23–26 Weeks Since LMP)

Survival outside the womb becomes possible with specialized care.
The baby’s heart has now beaten more than 30 million times.

25–28 Weeks (27–30 Weeks Since LMP)

The baby can taste, smell, and even cry silently in the womb.
The lungs continue practicing breathing motions, preparing for first breath at birth.

29–32 Weeks (31–34 Weeks Since LMP)

The skin smooths as more fat forms.
The baby's movements become more coordinated, and responses to sound, light, and touch grow stronger.

33–36 Weeks (35–38 Weeks Since LMP)

The baby grips firmly with their hands and can track light with their eyes.
Heartbeats now surpass 50 million, echoing the strength of life within.

37–40 Weeks (39–42 Weeks Since LMP)

Labor is usually initiated by the baby when ready.
At birth, babies typically weigh between 2.7–4 kg (6–9 lbs) — ready to meet the world they’ve been preparing for all along.

*Medically, pregnancy is dated (as day 0) since the 1st day of the last menstrual period (LMP) to help calculate a due date (full-term usually 40 weeks). This is 2 weeks greater than the baby's prenatal age, dated from fertilization (full-term usually 38 weeks).