Development Calendar

Your Pregnancy Month 1

What's Your Baby Up to This Month?

MONTH 1: Conception-6 weeks gestational age

Your Pregnancy Month 1: Conception-6 weeks gestational age

His eyes, ears and mouth are beginning to form
He develops his neural tube, which will become his brain, spinal cord, nervous system and backbone
The left and right hemispheres of his brain begin to form distinct regions
His heart and circulatory system are starting to develop
He begins to develop his sense of touch
He will grow to over ½ inch long

Making Faces

You won't be able to get a glimpse of it for a while, but your baby's beautiful face is already beginning to form. Tiny eyespots appear this month, along with his ears and mouth. He'll also begin to develop his sense of touch around five or six weeks.

The Neural Tube and Beyond

Even at this early stage, your baby is developing a center for its intellectual and sensory growth. The neural tube is a groove that will later transform itself into your baby's brain, spinal cord, nervous system and backbone.

By the end of the second month, the right and left hemispheres of the brain will separate and begin to form distinct regions.

At the same time, your baby is developing his heart and circulatory system. 8 weeks PMA, his heart will beat twice as fast as yours does.

He's Got Your DNA

Your baby is a unique blend of mom and dad's distinctive DNA. His sex, height potential, hair, skin and eye color, even some of his personality traits were all determined at the moment of conception by a set of 46 chromosomes. You just have to wait nine months to meet him.

Healthy Hints: Month 1

Schedule your first prenatal visit.

Good doctors are in great demand, so don't put it off. The good care you get now can help your pregnancy, and your baby's development.

»Learn About Prenatal Tests