Conception, Birth, and the Newborn Worksheet
Part 1
Directions: Provide a 25- to 50- word summary of development during each of the prenatal
stages listed below.
1 Month: During this time, the infant's growth is fairly rapid, and it is an important stage
in his or her development (Martorell, Papalia, & Feldman, 2014). At the end of this phase,
the baby will be approximately a half-inch long, with blood flowing and a beating heart,
and the brain, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract will be formed (Martorell et al., 2014).
7 Weeks:The fetus is about one inch long and around an ounce in weight (Martorellet al.,
2014). The fetus's head grows larger than the rest of its body, and hands, fingers, knees,
and ankles begin to develop (Martorell et al., 2014). In the stomach, digestive fluids, blood
cells, and sex organs begin to be created (Martorell et al., 2014).
3 Months:The fetus is about a third of its full size, weighs one ounce, and the sex of the
infant is obvious (Martorell et al., 2014). Reflexes begin to develop when interaction begins,
and the fetus has grown fingernails, toenails, eyelids, and lips (Martorell et al., 2014).
4 Months: By four months, the body has caught up with the head, has almost the same
proportions as at birth, and has grown between eight and ten inches and six ounces
(Martorell et al., 2014). The placenta has completed its development, and reflexes become
more noticeable (Martorell et al., 2014).
5 Months: The fetus weighs roughly 1 pound and begins to establish a personality. Kicking,
stretching, squirming, and hiccupping are now common fetal behaviors (Martorell et al.,
2014). Hair has begun to grow (lanugo) (Martorell et al., 2014). Because of the baby's
immature respiratory system, it usually does not survive if it is born around this period
(Martorell et al., 2014).
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