What Does My Baby Look Like This Week?
Your baby's appearance changes dramatically week to week — from a tiny embryo at 6 weeks, to recognizable facial features by 12 weeks, to a fully formed baby adding fat in the third trimester.
Early weeks
At 5–8 weeks your baby is an embryo with limb buds and a beating heart tube. By the end of the first trimester (12 weeks), fingers, toes and facial features have formed.
Second trimester
Fine hair (lanugo) and a protective coating (vernix) appear, eyebrows and eyelashes grow, and movements become coordinated. Your baby starts to look distinctly like a newborn.
Third trimester
Your baby fills out with fat, the skin smooths, and the lungs and brain mature, getting ready for birth. For a week-by-week picture, see our full 40-week guide.
Frequently asked questions
When do facial features form?
The main facial features are formed by around 12 weeks and refine after that.
When does my baby look like a newborn?
By the second trimester your baby looks clearly baby-like, filling out with fat later on.
Where can I see each week?
Our 40-week week-by-week guide describes your baby's look at every stage.
Follow your baby week by week 💜
See exactly how your baby grows in the complete 40-week guide.
40-Week GuideJoin The CircleReferences
- WHO. Antenatal care recommendations. who.int
- ACOG. Fetal development. acog.org
- NHS. You and your baby, week by week. nhs.uk
- Tommy's. Baby movements & development. tommys.org
- CDC. During Pregnancy. cdc.gov