Baby at 8 weeks
Over the next 4 weeks development will be almost
completed, with all major systems working and features present
and there will be a rapid growth during the following month.
Development
The bones start to harden and lengthen with distinguishable
joints, wrists, shoulders and elbows. The pituitary gland is
developing which is responsible for the production of hormones.
The kidney now start to produce urine for the first time. The
major organs are also developing. The intestine are large and
some of them protrude into the umbilical cord. Now the baby is
living in warm amniotic fluid that consist mainly of water.
This keeps baby at a constant temperature and protects and
cushions her from any knocks or pressure.
Appearance
Baby is losing its curved appearance and becoming straighter
and limbs are more in proportion. Skin is transparent and blood
vessels are seen. Eyelids continue to develop over her eyes
which are wide apart on the side of the head like that of a
bird. They will move to more central portion as her head and
face develop further. The outer part of her ears are
developing. Fingers and toes are distinguishable despite the
webbing between them.
Movements
Messages are passing along the nerves to baby's muscles
enabling her to make spontaneous movements in this stage
messages coming from the spinal cord rather than the brain.
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