These pictures display the stages of a developing fetus.

Once a zygote is formed, it will undergo mitosis. The first embryonic stage is the morula which is a solid ball of undifferentiated cells. In time a blastula (a hollow ball of cells) will form, followed by the morula (the horseshoe stage) which cells will then begin to differentiate.

 

Below is a picture of the fetus at four weeks. It is 6mm long which is approximately the size of a fingernail. This picture displays the heart, backbone & head.

 

After six to seven weeks, the baby's arms, hands, feet and eyes become apparent.

Below is a picture of a 9 week old embryo which is 30 mm (about an inch) long.

This is a picture of an embryo 5 months mature.

Doctors use an ultrasound machine to view the fetus within the mother's uterus.

 

 

The Third Trimester

 

 

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