Fetal Development Basics & Pregnancy
At 4 weeks, the cells of the fetus are specializing into a nervous system, hair, organs, and skin. At 12 weeks, the fetus is around 2 _ inches in size and makes movement on its own. At 20 weeks, the nervous systems functions, sex can be determined, and you will feel your baby move. At 28 weeks, the fetus weighs over 2 pounds and if born prematurely, would most likely be able to survive. At 32 weeks, the baby weighs 4 pounds and fat layers begin to develop under its skin. At 36 weeks, the lungs are almost fully developed and brain function is developing rapidly. At 37 weeks, a term pregnancy can be made.
Recently Answered
- Q What do the results of a biophysical profile (BPP) mean?
-
A biophysical profile (BPP) test measures the health of your baby ( fetus ) during pregnancy. The results are scores on five measurements in a 30-minute observation period. A score of 8 to 10 points means that your baby is healthy. A score of 6 to 8... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can a father's drinking harm his unborn baby?
-
How alcohol affects the male sperm is currently being studied. Whatever the effects are found to be, they are not fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). FASDs are caused specifically by the mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy. However,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Could my baby's brain be damaged by pollution exposure in the womb?
-
Yes, your baby’s brain could be damaged by pollution in the womb. Two new studies published recently bring grim news to new or soon-to-be new moms in urban areas. According to the studies, a baby's brain may be damaged by common air pollutants... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q When does the sense of touch develop in a fetus?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineThe first sense to emerge, touch happens as early as 7 ½ weeks, when your baby can first sense touch on the lips and nose, and quickly extends to the rest of body, as he goes from touching his lips or nose to touching the uterine wall, his face,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What determines the sex of a baby?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineSperm dictates the sex of the fertilized egg. However, a lot of mutual factors contribute to gender, including as the egg's receptivity to the male's chromosomes. So if a couple has five girls, that doesn't necessarily mean it's the man's fault. You can... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q How can doctors check up on a fetus's well being?
-
There are a number of ways doctors can and do check fetus’ well being, and the modalities vary depending on the time in pregnancy. In the first trimester doctors use a First Look protocol that involves an ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks of... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What tests can be done if my baby isn't kicking enough?
-
Once you report decreased activity, your doctor should have you come to the office or go directly to your hospital’s labor and delivery unit. There are other tests that can be done to check on your baby’s health. For example:... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is gestational age?
-
Gestational age is the number of weeks and days a fetus has developed since the beginning of the pregnancy, or gestation. A pregnancy is formally considered as beginning on the first day of the mother's last menstrual period (LMP). An infant born... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How does a baby develop in the second and third trimester of pregnancy?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe second and third trimester is an active time in an unborn baby's life. Learn about this progress as Dr. Oz explains in a video how a baby develops from the time it is 14 weeks old until it is born. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the earliest that is healthy for my baby to be born?
-
Week 37 is when your baby is considered full-term. At this point, the baby is far enough in development to be healthy outside the womb. Before 37 weeks is considered pre-term, and the baby has a better chance of survival the closer they are able to get... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
