Growth of the foetus

A pregnancy lasts about 9 months (40 weeks/ 280 days).

1 to 3 months

The fertilised egg cell develops quickly. After 3 to 6 weeks, all basic body parts start to grow. 

After 6 weeks, the heart starts beating.

The organs (such as the brain, spinal bone marrow, etc.) develop.

The umbilical cord and placenta are in place.

4 to 6 months

The foetus grows quickly and the brain develops a lot. The foetus starts to move, for example: bending, kicking, grasping. The foetus can swallow, suck and yawn.

After 4 months, the midwife or gynaecologist can tell you the sex of the baby on the ultrasound. You can choose if you want to know the sex of your foetus or not. 

After about 5 months, you can feel the foetus move.

Nails, skin and body hair appear.

The foetus starts to hear.

7 to 9 months

The foetus becomes 3 times as heavy and twice as big.

The foetus stores fat to stay warm, proteins for muscle growth, calcium for bone growth and other essential nutrients such as iron.

The brain develops rapidly.

The lungs are ready for independent breathing by the end of the pregnancy.

The foetus turns around and usually lies with its head down shortly before delivery.