Prenatal development is the growth and development process in the womb where a zygote is formed, which later develops to an embryo, then a fetus, and later a baby is born. This process is unique and beautiful, and that takes 280 days after the fertilization of the egg to the child's delivery. This process occurs in three stages: Germinal, Embryonic and fetal stages, and in the three stages, significant growth and development happens, and there is the maturing of tissues and organs. However, Fetal stage is the most important developmental stage in the prenatal process as it is the stage where the development of the foundation of a healthy baby takes place.
The fetal stage is the last stage and the longest in prenatal development. It lasts from the ninth week after fertilization to the 38-40th week after fertilization, where delivery occurs. It is during this stage that the brain development occurs, and the body grows in size and weight. This stage is marked by breathtaking changes and growth in the fetus. At the beginning of this stage, the fetus resembles a kidney bean in size, and it is starting to look more like a human being. The body structures and the different systems in the body created in the embryonic stage continue to develop in the fetal stage. There is different and fast growth and development every week in the fetal stage as it is in this stage, the reflexes appear in the legs and arms from the 9th to the 12th week as the fingers and toes develop fully.
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By the 12th week, the placenta is formed, and it's attached to the uterus walls and continues to grow throughout the pregnancy. It produces different hormones that are used during pregnancy. It also helps to carry the mother's oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and waste material from the fetus to the mother through the umbilical cord. The sex organ is also very visible by the 16th week. By the time the fetus is 24 weeks, their hearing ability is well developed, and the fetus can respond to sounds as they can distinguish voices where they can remember them even after birth. The fetus is also very sensitive to light. At this stage, their internal organs are formed, including the heart, lungs, brain.
Throughout the fetal stage, the brain’s growth progresses, and the central nervous system becomes more responsive and in control of bodily functions. The heart continues to beat as the heartbeats become stronger. By the 28th week, the fetus is still putting on weight as they continue developing and preparing for life outside the womb. Here, their lungs can contract and expand in preparation for breathing once it is born. From the 36th week, the fetus is ready for birth as all the organs are fully developed, and it can survive outside the womb without having any complications. At this time, there is no much space left in the uterus for the fetus to move around, but it continues to grow and gain weight in the womb until the 40th week.
Conclusively, in the fetal stage, the fetus develops all its organs and grows both in size and weight, making this stages the most crucial stage in prenatal development. Sometimes, problems such as disease, infections, and some nutritional deficiency may occur during the development, which can affect the fetus. Sometimes they can cause pregnancy-related issues, premature births, and low birth weight for the fetus. Therefore during this vital stage, a mother should be more cautious. She should ensure they go to their antenatal clinic to get help in case of any complications during the pregnancy.
