What Are The Most Important Themes Of Development During The Fetal Period?

The embryonic period is the most critical period of development because of the formation of internal and external structures.

What develops during fetal period?

Stages of development: During the fetal stage, the brain develops and the body adds size and weight, until the fetus reaches full-term development. Throughout the fetal stage the brain continues to grow and develop, nearly doubling in size from weeks 16 to 28.

What is the most important period of fetal development?

The embryonic period is the most critical period of development because of the formation of internal and external structures.

What are major milestones in fetal development?

This is when organ development begins, lasting approximately six weeks. 5 weeks: The baby’s heart begins to beat, generally at about twice the rate of an adult heart. 6 weeks: Facial features begin to form, and little buds for the arms and legs start to develop. 10 weeks: The embryo officially becomes a fetus .

What 3 milestones occur during the fetal stage?

This union marks the beginning of the prenatal period, which in humans encompasses three distinct stages: (1) the pre-embryonic stage, the first two weeks of development, which is a period of cell division and initial differentiation (cell maturation), (2) the embryonic period, or period of organogenesis, which lasts ...

What week is most critical in pregnancy?

In general, major defects of the body and internal organs are more likely to occur between 3 to 12 embryo / fetal weeks . This is the same as 5 to 14 gestational weeks (weeks since the first day of your last period). This is also referred to as the first trimester.

Which trimester is the most critical for fetal development?

The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby’s development. During this period, your baby’s body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester.

What are four environmental hazards that can affect a fetus?

These chemicals include commonly known hazards such as lead, mercury, and environmental tobacco smoke, as well as some pesticides, solvents, products containing chlorine , and other chemicals referred to as “persistent organic pollutants.” The fetus is particularly vulnerable to environmental chemicals that can disrupt ...

What are 4 environmental factors that can harm a fetus?

Environmental factors which have been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcome include smoking, video display terminals, anesthetic gases, antineoplastic drugs and exposure to lead, selenium and inorganic mercury .

How do I know if my baby is developing normally in the womb?

An ultrasound is usually done for all pregnant women at 20 weeks. During this ultrasound, the doctor will make sure that the placenta is healthy and attached normally and that your baby is growing properly. You can see the baby’s heartbeat and movement of its body, arms, and legs on the ultrasound.

What is the last organ to form in a fetus?

Almost all organs are completely formed by about 10 weeks after fertilization (which equals 12 weeks of pregnancy). The exceptions are the brain and spinal cord , which continue to form and develop throughout pregnancy. Most malformations (birth defects) occur during the period when organs are forming.

What is 1st viability milestone?

23 to 24 Weeks : Reaching Viability

The point of viability is the threshold at which there would be a reasonable chance for survival outside the womb if your baby was born prematurely. Most practitioners would put the point of viability at 23 or 24 weeks.

What’s the last thing to development of a baby?

By the end of the third month , the fetus is fully formed. All the organs and limbs (extremities) are present and will continue to develop in order to become functional.

What causes a baby to stop growing in the womb?

The most common cause is a problem in the placenta (the tissue that carries food and blood to the baby). Birth defects and genetic disorders can cause IUGR. If the mother has an infection, high blood pressure, is smoking, or drinking too much alcohol or abusing drugs, her baby might have IUGR.

How long does the germinal stage last?

The germinal period ( about 14 days in length ) lasts from conception to implantation of the zygote (fertilized egg) in the lining of the uterus.

What is the normal weight of baby during pregnancy?