In this week, your baby already has formed all the vital organs and they have started to work together.
With external changes, such as the separation of the fingers and toes, and the disappearance of the spinal bulge, internal changes also occur. Small bumps are formed inside the mouth that will grow into teeth, and in the case of the baby being a boy, his testicles will begin to produce the male hormone called “testosterone”.
In this period it is still very unlikely discover any congenital anomalies Occur. This week also marks the end of the embryonic period. In general, the embryo now looks human and the following week your baby will officially be a fetus.
You will begin with your medical checks, such as weight, blood, urine, and blood pressure. You may also have an external abdominal exam, to check the size and position of the baby.
It will also monitor the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler stethoscope, where you will be able to hear it for the first time.
At the end of the first visit, your doctor will probably order a blood test to see if you are immune to chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella, as well as to determine what type of blood and Rh factor you have.
Starting this week, and through week 20, your baby will grow rapidly, increasing in size from 5 centimeters to approximately 20 centimeters from crown to tailbone. For all this growth to take place, the blood vessels in the placenta must increase in size and quantity to provide the baby with more nutrients.
The ears will already be in place and at this time the head is about half the length of the body.
Although the reproductive organs of the baby are developing rapidly, the external genitalia of males and females are quite similar in appearance until the end of week 11. The difference will be very marked at week 14.