Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A human fetus, attached to placenta, at three months gestational age. In humans, the fetal stage starts nine weeks after fertilization. [7] At this time the fetus is typically about 30 millimetres (1 + 1 ⁄ 4 in) in length from crown to rump, and weighs about 8 grams. [7] The head makes up nearly half of the size of the fetus. [8]
The fetus reaches a length of about 40–48 cm (16–19 in). The fetus weighs about 2.5 to 3 kg (6 lb 10 oz)to 6 lb 12 oz). Lanugo begins to disappear. Body fat increases. Fingernails reach the end of the fingertips. A baby born at 36 weeks has a high chance of survival, but may require medical interventions. Fetus at 38 weeks after fertilization.
The fetus starts producing leukocytes at 2 months gestational age, mainly from the thymus and the spleen. Lymphocytes derived from the thymus are called T lymphocytes (T cells), whereas those derived from bone marrow are called B lymphocytes (B cells). Both of these populations of lymphocytes have short-lived and long-lived groups.
In comparison to the embryo, the fetus has more recognizable external features and a more complete set of developing organs. Human embryology is the study of this development during the first eight weeks after fertilization. The normal period of gestation (pregnancy) is about nine months or 36 weeks.
During continued fetal development, the early body systems, and structures that were established in the embryonic stage continue to develop. Sex organs begin to appear during the third month of gestation. The fetus continues to grow in both weight and length, although the majority of the physical growth occurs in the last weeks of pregnancy.
Stages in prenatal development, with weeks and months numbered from last menstruation. In humans, the usual definition of preterm birth is birth before a gestational age of 37 complete weeks. [94] In the normal human fetus, several organ systems mature between 34 and 37 weeks, and the fetus reaches adequate maturity by the end of this period.
Active and quiet periods for the fetus do not correspond to those of the mother; fetuses are most active from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. [21] During the last four to six weeks before birth, most of the fetus's kicking and jabbing movements occur while it is sleeping lightly. [22]
At the end of a month it is hardened, in two months the head is formed". [9] In Indian literature, the start of consciousness in an embryo is not clearly defined. Some scriptures state that it is active at conception, while others suggest that consciousness begins in the seventh to ninth month of fetal development.