Conception to 6 weeks gestational age
His eyes, ears and mouth are beginning to form. He develops his neural tube, which will become his brain, spinal cord, nervous system and backbone. The left and right hemispheres of his brain begin to form distinct regions. His heart and circulatory system are starting to develop. He begins to develop his sense of touch. He will grow to over 1/2 inch long
Brain Development
Your baby's brain has been developing almost since conception and will continue to do so until birth. What's more, his cognitive development even begins in the womb. In weeks 2 and 3, the neural tube forms, which will become his brain, spinal cord, nervous system and backbone. By week 6, the left and right hemispheres of his brain become distinct. Contribute to his successful development by consuming a well-balanced diet of wholesome foods with valuable nutrients such as DHA and ARA (sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats), that support his normal brain and eye development and healthy growth.
Facial Development
While it may not be discernable at this time, your baby's face is beginning to form. Tiny eyespots, ears and his mouth appear this month. In addition, his sense of touch will begin to develop at around 5 to 6 weeks.
The Neural Tube
Even at this early stage, your baby is developing a centre for his intellectual and sensory growth. The neural tube is a groove that will later transform itself into your baby's brain, spinal cord, nervous system and backbone. By the end of the second month, the right and left hemispheres of his brain will separate and begin to form distinct regions. At the same time, your baby is developing his heart and circulatory system. During this stage, his heart will beat two times faster than your own.
DNA
Your baby is a unique blend of distinctive parental DNA. His sex, height potential, hair, skin and eye colour, plus even some of his personality traits were all determined at the moment of conception by a set of 46 chromosomes.
