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Fetal Development

Fetal Development in the First Trimester

How Baby Develops from Conception to Week 12

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

4 Comments View all >

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During the first three months of pregnancy, which are known as the first trimester, many changes take place within the mother's body, from the fertilization of her egg to the growth of a fetus. We will look at some of the amazing things that happen during the first trimester, which create the foundation for new life.

In order for pregnancy to begin, a male sperm, the smallest cell in the body, must fertilize a female egg, which is the largest cell in the body. The woman has been carrying her eggs throughout life, as they were created when she was still inside of her mother's womb. In the days following a woman's menstrual cycle, her body is preparing to ovulate, or release an egg from her ovary. Ovulation occurs around 11 to 21 days after her last menses began.


	Just five weeks following conception, every organ has begun to form in the embryo.

During intercourse, several hundred million sperm are released into the woman's vagina at a rate of 1,000 sperm per second. The sperm are able to swim 1/10 of an inch every minute. The millions of sperm begin to make their way toward the egg, moving through the cervix and uterus to the fallopian tube. It may take up to 10 hours for the sperm to find the egg.

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Fetal Development in the First Trimester

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Anonymous says

3 weeks ago

Renee Marcellis is a registered nurse with a valid NM license in good standing and Renee Marcellis is a great and wonderful woman and this a fantastic article. Well thought out and well written.

Anonymous says

3 weeks ago

Renee Marcellis is a great nurse and Renee Marcellis has helped hundreds of people and I have personally seen her help a man who was having a heart attack. Renee Marcellis is a very loving and wonderful person. I have known her for years. She is well deserving of respect and is committed to helping others.

Anonymous says

December 17, 2009

"During intercourse, several hundred million sperm are released into the woman's vagina at a rate of 1,000 sperm per second."

So it takes at least a day to ejaculate?

Anonymous says

December 3, 2009

Renee Marcellis is a fake nurse who has complaints filed against her with the Illinois Board of Regulations for removal of her license. She has not practiced nursing in over 10 years and has illegally shared her prescription medications and caused physical damage to men's private parts.

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