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Your Baby’s Prenatal Development in the First Trimester

Last Updated: August 31, 2009

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Prenatal Tips for the First Trimester

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Prenatal Month 1

  • Baby is about ¼ inch long
  • Small buds are growing that will become arms and legs
  • Heart is beating and pumping blood
  • Backbone is forming
  • Future moms’ average weight gain is ½ to 1 pound

Prenatal Month 2

  • Baby is about ½ inch long
  • Weighs about the same as a paper clip
  • Arms and legs are growing
  • Face and eyes are beginning to form
  • Future moms’ average weight gain is ½ to 1 pound

Prenatal Month 3

  • Baby is about 2½ to 3 inches long
  • Weighs about ½ ounce
  • Arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes are fully formed
  • Eyes are almost fully developed but are still closed
  • Future moms’ average weight gain is ½ to 2 pounds


Learn more about Your Prenatal Baby: First Trimester from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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