From the beginning, your baby's life is a fascinating journey. Your baby's genes are the map for this great adventure. Boy or girl? Blue eyes or brown? Athlete or artist? Your child's future began at the moment of conception, when 46 chromosomes merged to determine her genetic makeup.

Right now she's smaller than a grain of rice. But she will make astonishing progress in the next few weeks. You can nurture your baby's development during this critical time, by eating a nutritious diet and following your doctor's advice.

Your baby's heart will beat for the first time when she's about three weeks old. By six weeks, her brain will begin to develop the complex connections that coordinate motor skills and sensory input. Her very first sensation? Touch. She's getting ready for life outside the womb, when she will be soothed and comforted by the feel of your skin against hers.