Characteristics of the Unborn Child

16 Weeks Gestational Age (LMP)
14 Weeks from Conception

• Swallowing and chest movements are clearly present.
  
• A fine layer of hair has begun to grow on the head.
  
• The head and body become proportional.
  
• The neck is lengthened and the head is now erect
  
• The weight is approximately 3.9 ounces
  
• The length is about 4 to 5 inches.

18 Weeks Gestational Age (LMP)
16 Weeks from Conception

• The mother might feel movement.
  
• The arms and legs begin to punch and kick.
  
• The fingernails are well formed.
  
• The unborn child can suck its thumb.
  
• Taste buds are present.
  
• Male or female gender is evident.
  
• A protective waxy coating is present on the skin.
  
• The weight is 6 to 8 ounces.
  
• The length is about 5 to 6 inches.

20 Weeks Gestational Age (LMP)
18 Weeks from Conception

• Eyebrows and lashes appear.
  
• Breathing-like movements become regular and are detected by ultrasound, but the lungs have not developed enough to permit survival if birth occurs.
  
• Time of rapid brain growth.
  
• The unborn child can turn its entire body side to side and front to back.
  
• The weight is about 11 ounces.
  
• The length is about 6 to 7 inches.