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Baby's Early Days
First Trimester Growth
By Heather Larson
Weeks 4 and 5
Your baby is still very small, about 0.04 to 0.05 inches in length. Layers of cells have already grouped according to their functions. The outer layer will become the nervous system, skin and hair; the inner layer will be the breathing and digestive organs; and the middle layer will become the skeleton bones, cartilage, muscles, circulatory system, kidneys and sex organs. The placenta, which nourishes the baby, and the amniotic sac, which surrounds the baby, also are forming during this time. Week 6
The embryo now looks like a tadpole and is comparable in size to a BB pellet. Eyes and limb buds are developing and blood circulation is well established. The earliest forms of the liver, pancreas, lungs, thyroid gland and heart appear. Sometimes a heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound this week. Week 7
The embryo is the size of a small raspberry with leg buds that look like short fins. Hands and feet that have a digital plate where fingers and toes form will develop. The tongue is beginning to form, eyes appear as dark spots and the head is relatively large. The brain and spinal cord are emerging from the neural tube. Week 8
Your baby is about the size of a grape. Eyelid folds and ears are taking shape, and the tip of the nose is visible. Arms have grown longer and now bend at the elbows. Places where fingers and toes will be are notched. Sexual organs, cartilage and bones are forming. 
Week 9Want to see more?
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