The whole body
Nervous system
Brain
Eye
Ear
Nose
Mouth and teeth
Skin and touch
Heart
Blood and circulation
Spleen
Body defenses
Throat and voice
Lungs
Baby teeth
Digestion
Liver
Gallbladder
Pancreas
Kidneys
Reproductive system
Glands and hormones
Skeleton
Skull
Spine
Hand
Knee
Foot
MusclesHow does a baby grow in the womb?
A baby starts as a single cell formed from the father’s and mother’s cells. It divides many times and settles in the uterus. There, for about 9 months, the baby gets food and oxygen from the mother through a cord, the umbilical cord, until it is ready to be born.
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Questions people ask
How long does pregnancy last?
About 40 weeks, or roughly 9 months. Babies born before 37 weeks are called premature.
When does the baby’s heart start beating?
Around week 6 of pregnancy, the heartbeat can already be seen on ultrasound. A baby’s heart beats much faster than an adult’s, around 110 to 160 times a minute.
How does the baby eat inside the womb?
Through the umbilical cord, linked to the placenta. The placenta takes nutrients and oxygen from the mother’s blood and passes them to the baby, and carries away what the baby doesn’t need. The belly button is the mark where the cord was.
How are twins formed?
Identical twins come from one embryo that splits in two very early on; that is why they look so alike. Non-identical twins come from two different eggs, each with its own sperm, and look as alike as ordinary siblings.
Sources
This text was written using these references:
- Fetal development · MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Reproductive System · National Cancer Institute (SEER Training)
This content has not been medically reviewed.