Growing a Human: Pregnancy Month by Month

Growing a Human:  Pregnancy Month by Month

So, you’re pregnant. Congratulations!

Exciting? Yes.
Overwhelming? Also yes.
Terrifying in a quiet, “wow this is really happening” way? Completely normal.

While everyone talks about cravings, baby bumps, and glow (spoiler: it’s mostly sweat), what’s actually happening inside your body is extraordinary. Every single week, tiny systems are forming, practising, adjusting, and trying to get everything just right.

Here’s what’s really going on — month by month.

Month 1: The Beginning

Your baby begins as a fertilised egg that implants into the uterine wall. At this point, it’s smaller than a grain of rice — invisible to the naked eye — but already busy dividing and organising itself.

What’s happening:

• Cells are multiplying rapidly

• The placenta begins forming

• The amniotic sac starts developing

• The neural tube (which becomes the brain and spinal cord) begins to form

Your body is doing a lot, even if you feel mostly tired, nauseous, or strangely emotional.

Important to know:
At this stage, pregnancy is extremely fragile. Many pregnancies end before a woman even realises she’s pregnant. This is sadly common and not caused by anything you did or didn’t do.

Month 2: Tiny Features Appear

This is when things start to look more “baby-like,” even though your baby is still tiny.

What’s happening:

• The heart begins beating and pumping blood

• Limb buds form (early arms and legs)

• Facial features like nostrils, ears, and eyelids start developing

• The brain grows rapidly

Your baby is already moving — small, reflexive motions — but you won’t feel them yet.

Surprising fact:
By the end of this month, the heart has its own rhythm, beating much faster than yours.

Month 3: Becoming a Fetus

This is a big milestone — your baby is now officially called a fetus.

What’s happening:

• Fingers and toes separate

• Fingernails begin forming

• Major organs are in place and starting to function

• External genitalia begin developing (though usually not visible on scans yet)

Your baby can:

• Stretch

• Turn

• Make small reflex movements

Month 4: First Flutters

Your baby is now around 10–12 cm long. Muscles strengthen, bones harden, and movements become more coordinated.

What’s happening:

• Facial expressions begin forming

• The baby can swallow amniotic fluid

• The digestive system practices

• Skin layers continue developing

You may feel:

• Light fluttering

• A bubbling or popping sensation

Interesting fact:
Swallowing amniotic fluid helps the lungs and digestive system mature — and yes, flavours from your diet can pass through.

Month 5: Senses Activate

This is when many parents feel the baby clearly for the first time.

What’s happening:

• Hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes appear

• The baby can hear sounds

• Nerve pathways strengthen

• Movements become stronger and more deliberate

Your baby can:

• Respond to loud noises

• Move when you talk or laugh

• Develop a sleep–wake cycle

Viability note:
Around 22–24 weeks, some babies may survive if born extremely early with intensive medical care — but outcomes are uncertain. Every extra week inside the womb makes a huge difference.

Month 6: Hiccups and Practice Breathing

Your baby is now around 30 cm long.

What’s happening:

• Lungs continue developing

• The diaphragm practices breathing motions

• Eyelids can open

• Taste buds are forming

Those rhythmic little movements you feel? Likely hiccups — your baby practising breathing.

Mum truth:
It feels strange at first… then oddly comforting.

Month 7: Dreaming in the Womb

Your baby is gaining strength and control.

What’s happening:

• Brain development accelerates

• The baby can suck, grasp, and turn

• REM sleep begins — yes, dreaming

Your baby can:

• Recognise your voice

• React to music

• Respond to touch on your belly

Viability note:
Babies born around this time often survive with medical support, though they may still face challenges. Each week inside continues to improve outcomes.

Month 8: Growing and Responding

Your baby is now focused on growth.

What’s happening:

• Fat stores increase

• Movements become slower but stronger

• The nervous system matures

• The baby responds to light and sound

You may notice:

• Clear movement patterns

• A “favourite time” they’re active

Interesting fact:
Babies can be startled by loud noises and calm when they hear familiar voices.

Month 9: Almost Ready

Your baby is fully formed and continuing to mature.

What’s happening:

• Lungs and brain fine-tune

• The immune system strengthens

• The baby may move into a head-down position

Movements feel:

• More rolling and stretching

• Less sharp kicking (space is tight!)

Mum note:
You may start recognising your baby’s personality — active, calm, stubborn, or all of the above.

Month 10: Full Term

Your baby is ready.

What’s happening:

• Lungs are fully developed

• Reflexes are strong

• The baby prepares for birth

Your body may:

• Drop the baby lower

• Practice contractions

• Feel both excited and completely overwhelmed

Final insight:
Even now, your baby is learning — how to breathe, suck, regulate temperature, and adapt to life outside your body.

A Final Thought

Pregnancy isn’t just about growing a baby — it’s about two bodies learning how to work together.

From the very first cell division to hiccups, dreams, and familiar voices, your baby is constantly practising for the world ahead.

And your body?
It’s doing something extraordinary — quietly, imperfectly, and beautifully.

Take a moment to acknowledge that. 💛

Linda - Hush Little Babe