Characteristics of the Unborn Child

4 Weeks Gestational Age (LMP)
2 Weeks from Conception

• The brain and the spinal cord begin to form.
  
• The heart begins to form.
  
• The stomach and intestines are forming.
  
• Bone tissue is growing.
  
• The eyes and ears are just beginning to form.
  
• The length is less than 1/8 inch.

6 Weeks Gestational Age (LMP)
4 Weeks from Conception

• The lungs are beginning to form, however; the major portion of the lung development is yet to occur.
  
• Brain activity can be recorded.
  
• Eyes are present, but no eyelids yet.
  
• The heart is more developed and is beating.
  
• Structures that will become arms and legs, called limb buds, begin to appear.
  
• Early reflexes develop.
  
• The length is less than 1/4 inch.

8 Weeks Gestational Age (LMP)
6 Weeks from Conception

• All essential organs have begun to form.
  
• Elbows are visible.
  
• Facial features - the eyes, nose, lips, and tongue - continue to develop.
  
• The outer ears begin to take shape.
  
• The hands and feet have fingers and toes, but might still be webbed.
  
• Organs begin to be controlled by the brain.
  
• The length is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.