“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” —Psalm 139:16

Hooray! This week your baby is officially a fetus, marking the end of the embryonic period. Now, about the size of a strawberry, your child is forming tooth buds, organs are fully developed and functioning, bones and cartilage are forming, fingernails and hair are even starting to appear. The shape of a tiny human now comes into view. What will your baby’s sweet face look like?

For you, perhaps your ‘baby bump’ is starting to show. You’ll soon find yourself holding your stomach and talking with your precious little one with greater frequency. Savor these tender moments as they fly by. Maybe you’re feeling a little moody, achy, or are tired of the morning sickness. This is all common during your first trimester. Hang in there; you only have two more weeks left until you get a break during the second trimester.

Did you know that God is not only forming your child, but he is also forming you? He is growing your heart to be the perfect Mother for the little one you are carrying. As you develop in your faith, this week focus on cultivating gratitude. Be grateful for the precious life He is creating through your body. He intends good things for you and your child.

Psalm 139:16 says, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

This is true for your newly formed, developing baby, and it is also true for you. God loves you both with unending measure. So, this week, pray with thanksgiving for the work He is doing within you. Praise the Father for this gift of growth and life.

Father, thank you for giving me this child. This week, as my baby begins the fetal period and continues to grow, thank you for the development that has already taken place during the embryonic period. Please allow us both to be healthy and strong. Grant me the wisdom and love I need to care for my family and the strength to do so with diligence and dedication each day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.