At three months pregnant, the baby, now referred to as a fetus, is nestled securely within the uterus. It's connected to the mother's placenta via the umbilical cord.
Fetal Development at 3 Months
By the end of the third month of pregnancy (the first trimester), significant developmental milestones have been reached:
- Size and Weight: The fetus measures approximately 2 to 3 inches long and weighs about as much as a lemon. At the beginning of the month, it might be only half an inch long.
- Organ Development: Major organs are forming, and external sex organs begin to develop.
- Umbilical Cord Connection: The umbilical cord provides the vital link between the fetus and the placenta, delivering nutrients and oxygen.
- Placental Function: The placenta is fully established and functioning, supporting the fetus's growth.
The image below illustrates the location of the fetus within the uterus at this stage:
(Insert image of a fetus in the uterus at 3 months here. This would require access to image resources. A simple line drawing could be created for illustrative purposes.)
Important Note: While the information above describes typical fetal development, individual variations exist. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized information and monitoring throughout the pregnancy.
References utilized in this answer include:
- The embryo becomes a fetus when you're 3 months pregnant. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to your placenta and uterine wall. External sex organs also start to develop.
- At 3 months, your baby is working hard at growing: They're now between 2 and 3 inches long and weigh about as much as a lemon.
- At the start of this month your baby will be about ½ an inch long, and by the end of this…
