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From Womb to Delivery Room

A Look at Embryo Development

By Renee Roberson

During the second trimester, generally around 20 weeks, most moms begin to feel the baby move. Lanugo (fine, downy hair) forms on the arms and legs, and the baby is covered in vernix, a protective cheesy and waxy substance. And don't be nervous if your baby is in a breech position during a second trimester ultrasound, Dr. Schapiro says, because most babies get into the head-down birth position during the last two months of pregnancy.

Dr. Schapiro says that in the last four weeks before the due date, the baby starts getting antibodies passed through the placenta in preparation for birth, and gains about a half pound a week in the last month before delivery, so don't be surprised if you experience a 5-pound or so weight gain during this time period.

Pregnancy is an exciting time during a woman's life, and the journey from embryo to living, breathing baby is a fascinating study in human development. Just remember to take extra special care of yourself during the first trimester and get under a doctor's care as soon as possible, because many patients don't understand how critical a development period that really is for a baby.

Want to see more?

• Conception from the Beginning: Reexamining the Birds and the Bees
• What's the Difference? Fraternal vs. Identical Twins
• First Trimester: Too Much Information? Getting Back to Basics in the First Trimester
• Check out our Article Library.
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