MILESTONES

8 WEEKS
- The end of the eighth week marks the end of the "embryonic period" and the beginning of the "fetal" period.

 Head and heart grow rapidly

 Head is larger than trunk
 Central hemispheres appear
 Face elongates
 Eyelid folds have developed although eyes are still far apart
 Flat nose and recognizable mouth
 External ears look similar to final appearance
 Arms, legs, fingers and toes are distinct
 Heart and liver are prominent

12 WEEKS
- Approximate length: 6 centimeters
- Approximate weight: 14 grams

 Intestinal villi form

 Bladder and urethra separate from rectum
 Kidneys begin to secrete urine that makes up the amniotic fluid
 Bronchioles branch and pleural; lungs assume definitive shape
 Pericardial cavities appear
 Thyroid and pancreas begin to secrete hormones
 Red blood cells are produced in the liver
 Sex is distinguishable
 Bone ossification occurs; tooth buds appear
 Able to suck and swallow
 Eyelids close and will not reopen until about the 28th week
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