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Baby's Development: Week 8: Facial Features Developing

Baby's Development

The embryo is now officially called a fetus, meaning "offspring." This marks a significant milestone in development. The fetus is about 1.6 cm long (about 0.6 inches). All major organs are now formed and beginning to function, although they will continue to develop and mature throughout the pregnancy. Essentially, everything that will be present in a fully developed human is now established in the fetus, although in miniature form. Even the intestines are functioning, carrying waste away from the body. The hands and feet are becoming less webbed, with fingers and toes starting to separate. The umbilical cord, the lifeline between you and your baby, may form a loop at this stage to fit within the small abdomen. This is temporary; as the baby grows and has more room, the cord will untangle. The developing nervous system is already communicating with the muscles, allowing for some early, spontaneous movements (though you won't be able to feel them yet). The fetus's crown-to-rump length is about 8 mm (0.3 inches), and the baby weighs approximately 0.8 grams. Bones are beginning to form, replacing the cartilage that previously made up the skeleton. The mouth, nose, and lips are becoming more recognizable, and the sex glands appear, though it's still too early to determine the sex on an ultrasound.