Development of the baby at the final month

The ninth month is the final month of pregnancy; this is a crucial period in pregnancy. During this month the baby puts on weight. The fetus is now about 51cm long and weighs about 3.2kg. Appearance of the baby changes from wrinkled and old-looking to the look of a baby. The baby is completely covered with the creamy vernix but most of them will shed before birth. The baby acquires substances from the mother’s blood that gives temporary immunity to disease and infections. The baby is almost in upside down position with the head nested in the pelvis. This is the most comfortable position for the baby. It is the easiest and safest position for birth. The skin of the mother’s abdomen appears stretched to capacity. The muscles of the uterus and abdomen are capable of being increased up to sixty times their original size during pregnancy. They will return nearly to their original size within a month after delivery.

Development of the baby in seventh and eighth month

At the seventh month the fetus is about 38cm long and weighs about 1-1.4g. The baby’s weights also have some bearing on the survival. When the size of the baby is larger then there will be better chance for its survival. Babies born before the complete development are called as premature babies. Babies born during the seventh month should be given special care. Handling is minimized to preserve the baby’s precious strength. By the end of the month, the fetus will probably settle in the position for birth. This is usually the head down position. The unborn baby sleeps for long hours, just like after birth. When the eight month starts, the baby is about 43cm in length and weighs about 1.8-2.1kg. The hair on the baby’s head becomes thicker. The baby still remains thin, wrinkled and old-looking. The fat beneath the skin begins to increase slowly. By this time the baby is sensitive to sounds. The unborn baby can suck its thumb, cough, yawn etc. A baby can also cry before birth, but the crying is soundless. By the end of the month the uterus reaches the mothers rib cage.

Development of the baby in fifth and sixth month

During the fifth month, the fetus is about 21cm long and weighs about 284-312g. At this month the fetus starts developing the eyelashes and eyebrows. Little fine hairs start developing around the head. The skin of the fetus is thin and soft. During this month the fetus movements and kicks touch the wall of the uterus. These movements may cause the mother to faint. During this month the fetus is about 26-31cm long and weighs about 680-910g. At the sixth month, the baby begins to develop little fat beneath the skin. The whole body of the baby will be covered by a fatty white substance called vernix cassias. This fluid protects the skin and protects it from the amniotic fluid. As the body parts are not fully developed the baby’s born during the sixth month will experience a difficult time to breathe. During this month the baby’s movements are strong kicks, thumps and bumps.

Development of the baby in third and fourth month

The mother’s abdomen begins to enlarge by the third month. The fetus is about the length of the man’s thumb and it weights about 28g. The baby’s organs are developed by the end of the month. The head is large in size compared to the other body organs, arms and legs. By the end of the month the hands and feet will separate to form the fingers and toes. During the fourth month, the fetus is about 1-13cm long and weighs about 113-142g. The tiny, fourth-month fetus moves around the liquid balloon. The movement of the fetus may make the mother feel uncomfortable. The cord of the mother is filled with blood and is stiff like a garden hose. It is not flexible to wrap the fetus. After the birth of the baby, the cord stops carrying the blood and becomes limp.