Fetal Development

Fertilization and Implantation

Ectopic pregnancy- embryo attaches
someplace other than the uterus

Gestation- period from conception to

birth

Full term pregnancy- 9 months, 40

weeks, 280 days
Stages of fetal development

Germinal stage- conception to 2 weeks (Zygote)

Embryonic stage- 2 weeks to 2 months (Embryo)
Fetal stage- 8 weeks to delivery (Fetus)
Zygote-Egg is Fertilized
Blastocyst cell division continues
creating an inner and outer group
of cells. Inner group of cells
become the embryo.
Outer group becomes
the membranes that
nourish and protect
the embryo.
Embryo after implantation
Special Structures of Pregnancy
Umbilical Cord- a thick tough cord that connects the embryo or fetus to
the placenta (lifeline)

Placenta- an organ rich in blood vessels that supply the embryo and
fetus with oxygen and nutrients and take away waste products

Amniotic Sac- a strong membrane filled with liquid that surrounds and
cushions the developing embryo or fetus (bag of waters)

Amniotic Fluid- liquid in the amniotic sac that protects and provides
warmth to the embryo or fetus
3 Weeks after Conception

The brain, spinal

cord, and heart begin
to develop.
The gastrointestinal
tract begins to
develop.
4 Weeks

The brain develops into

five areas and some
cranial nerves are visible.
Tissue forms that
develops into the vertebra
and some other bones.
Rudimentary blood
moves through the main
vessels
5 Weeks Arm and leg buds become
visible.
The eyes and ear structures
begin to form.
The heart continues to develop
and now beats at a regular
rhythm.
Cleft palate-facial tissues of
the mouth do not join together
properly, early in the
pregnancy
6 Weeks The arms and legs have
grown longer, and foot
and hand areas can be
distinguished.
The hands and feet have
fingers and toes (digits),
but may still be webbed.
The brain continues to
form.
The lungs begin to form.
7 Weeks
Nipples and hair
follicles form.
Elbows and toes are
visible.
All essential organs
have begun to form.
8 Weeks Fetus (1/2 inch)
The eyelids are more
developed.
External features of
the ear begin to take
their final shape.
Facial features
continue to develop.
The intestines rotate.
9 - 12 Weeks (1 1/3 to 3 inches)
Eyelids close and will not reopen
until about the 28th week.
The face is well formed.
Limbs are long and thin. .
Red blood cells are produced in
the liver.
The head makes up nearly half of
the baby's size.
The baby can make a fist with its
fingers.
Tooth buds appear for the baby
teeth.
Second Trimester 13 - 16 Weeks
(3 to 5 inches)
Genitals appear well differentiated
The skin is almost transparent.
Lanugo- Fine hair downy hair develops
on the head.
Meconium- is made in the intestinal
tract. (1st bowel movement)
More muscle tissue and bones have
developed, and the bones become
harder.
The baby begins to make active
movements.
The liver and pancreas produce fluid
secretions.
Sucking motions are made with the
mouth.
19 Weeks (7 inches)
The baby can hear.
The baby makes more
movements.
Quickening- The mother may
feel a fluttering in the lower
abdomen.
Miscarriage- Spontaneous loss
of a pregnancy before the 20th
week, most often before the
12th week.
Stillbirth- When fetal death
occurs after 20 weeks of
pregnancy
23 Weeks (9 inches)
Bone marrow begins to
make blood cells.
The lower airways of the
baby's lungs develop but
still do not produce
surfactant (a substance
that allows the alveoli to
open for gas exchange).
The baby begins to store
fat.
3rd Trimester 27 Weeks (11
inches)
Rapid brain development occurs.
The nervous system is developed
enough to control some body
functions.
The eyelids open and close.
Taste buds develop
Hiccups can be felt
The respiratory system, while
immature, has developed to the point
where gas exchange is possible.
Mothers belly is growing and she is
urinating more often
31 Weeks (17 inches)
A rapid increase in the amount
of body fat occurs.
Rhythmic breathing
movements occur, but the
lungs are not fully mature.
The bones are fully developed,
but still soft and pliable.
The baby's body begins
storing iron, calcium, and
phosphorus.
38 Weeks (20 inches)
Vernix- fatty, cheesy, white
substance that covers the
babys skin and protects it from
the amniotic fluid
Lanugo is gone except for on
the upper arms and shoulders.
Fingernails extend beyond
fingertips.
Small breast buds are present
on both sexes.
Head hair is now coarse and
thicker.
 Initial Signs of Labor
Mucus plug is expelled
Amniotic sac ruptures- a colorless and
odorless fluid if green or brown call doctor
immediately
Stronger more frequent contractions

Oxytocin- hormone that starts contractions, inhibits the

memory of pain, helps with bonding of mother and baby
3 Stages of Labor
 Stage 1
Contractions Cervix 10 cm.
 Presentations

Vertex-head first (97%)

Breech- buttocks first (3%)
Transverse- Shoulder or back first (1/200)

Caesarean Section- a surgical operation for

delivering a child by cutting through the wall
of the mother's abdomen.
 Stage 2
Birth of Baby
Episiotomy-a surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during
childbirth, to aid a difficult delivery and prevent rupture of tissues
Crowning- baby's head starts to emerge bit by bit during each
contraction
 3rd Stage
Afterbirth-Placenta and Umbilical Cord
Apgar Score- Appearance, Pulse, Grimace,
Activity, Respiration (score of 0,1,or,2 for
each total possible score of 10)
 Breastfeeding
Colostrum- first high protein secretion from
breast
Lactation- process of milk production (3-5
days after delivery)