Fetal development

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 Introduction

Fetal development is the most vulnerable time

period to infections and many other
complication. Nevertheless, it is one of the
significant phases in the life of a human being.
Fetus is the growing miniature within the
mother’s womb. Fetal development, followed by
embryonic development, are greatly exposed to
many genetic, social and environmental threats
resulting in poor development of growing
embryo. Embryonic period extends from day1 to
6 weeks followed by the fetal period that
extends till the birth of the baby.
Fetal development by month-Month-1

It is the period of early embryonic growth

ranging from fertilization to 2 weeks
including  implantation , formation of
primary chorionic villi. During this period,
embryo develops into two cell layers
called trophoblast and blastocyst at the
same time, amniotic cavity appears.
  Month-2

It ranges from 3 to 6 weeks of embryonic growth.

An embryo, a the end of 6 weeks of growth,
measures approximately 1.2 centimeters long.
During this time arm and leg buds are visible and
the rudiments of the eyes, ears, and nose starts
to show up. Lung buds, primitive intestinal tract
and the cardiovascular system starts
working. Neural tube that appears forms the
brain and spinal cord, closes by the 4th week.
 Month-3
It ranges from 7 to 10 weeks, the 9 weeks marks
the transition between embryonic period and the
fetal period. Fetus at this stage
measures approximately 6.3 cm from crown to
rump and weighs hardly 14 g. By the middle of
this phase most of the major organs are formed.
External genitalia begin to appear and the heart
forms 4 chambers by  week 7. Fetus look-like a
miniature human with the bones being ossified
and the rudimentary kidney begins to secrete
urine.
 Month-4

It marks the weeks 11-14, by the end of 14

weeks the fetus is approximately 12 cm crown-
rump length and weighs about 110 g. By this
time, fetal head is slightly erect and the lower
extremities are well developed. Hard palate and
nasal septum have fused. Male and female can
differentiated at this phase as the external
genitalia is clear. The eyelids are sealed.
 Month-5

It marks 15- to 18-weeks of fetal growth with

the fetus is approximately 16 cm and weighs
about 320 grams. Ears are distinct and clearly
stand out from head. Intestinal tract has
secretions called meconium and the fetus
exhibits sucking and swallowing reflexes. Fetal
movements may be felt by the mother in the
form of quickening.
 Month-6

It is between 19- to 22-weeks of fetal

development where, fetus measures
about 21 cm by the end with weight being
approximately 630 grams. Skin is covered
with vernix caseosa and the entire body
has fine, silky hair called lanugo.  Skin is
wrinkled and red and the brown fat found
on the neck and sternum helps in heat
production. Nipples are apparent on the
breasts.
Month-7

It is the period between 23- 26-

weeks where the fetus
measures approximately 25 cm and weighs
i kilogram by the end of the 25 weeks.
Fingernails have reached the tip of fingers
and the eyes partially open with eyelashes
present. Lungs contain bronchioles and the
primitive alveoli. Skin begins to thicken on
hands and feet. 
Month-8

It is the period between 27- 30 weeks and

the fetus measures 28 cm and weighs 1.7
kilograms by the end of 30 weeks.  Ample
hair is formed on head at the same
time, lanugo begins to fade. Skin slightly
wrinkled and the toenails are clear. Testes
are descended into the inguinal canal.
Month-9

It comes in the weeks 31- 34 and the

fetus measures 32 cm and weighs 2.5
kilograms approximately. The skin
becomes pink and smooth. The testes
reach the scrotal sac.
Month-10

It comes in 35-38 weeks and rarely does it

extend to 40 weeks where the labor can
initiate at any time between 36-40 week.
Fetus measures 36 cm and weighs 3,400
grams but it may vary. There is ample
subcutaneous fat and the lanugo is almost
absent. Toenails reach toe tips. Testes are
inside the 2 scrotal sacs.
Factors affecting fetal development

 Genetic factors
 Nutritional factors
 Cultural factors
 Mother’s habits
 Emotional factors
 Exercise, activity level, rest and sleep
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