How to Explain Fetal Growth
The miracle of human fetal development, from two separate cells to millions of cells forming into one unique individual, happens all in the span of only a few months. This miraculous and wondrous event takes place in step-by-step stages, each one dependent upon the other.
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Instructions
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Using an illustrated book on the stages of fetal growth, turn to the section describing the first trimester of development. The union of a single sperm and a single egg has taken place; the fertilized egg, now known as a zygote, will travel down the fallopian tube and implant itself on the uterine wall. One part of the egg will develop into the placenta and one part will become the actual baby. The first trimester is a time of rapid development for the embryo, with thousands of cell divisions taking place. During this time, the baby's heart will develop and begin to beat, moving blood along its own circulatory system, which may contain a blood type completely different from its mother's. The umbilical cord will form, as well as the baby's liver, intestines, head and eyes. By the end of the first trimester, the baby's vital organs will have formed and begin to work on their own; its limbs will begin to develop, as well as his or her external genitalia.
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Turn to the section on the second trimester. The embryo is now known as a fetus. The risk of miscarriage is now much less. The baby has begun to grow some hair, form eyelids, toenails and fingernails. During this time the baby will also begin to move about, kick and swim in the uterus. By week 22 of the pregnancy, the baby will have formed fingerprints and sweat glands. The bones of the inner ear will have formed so now the fetus can hear and respond to sounds. The fetus may be seen sucking his thumb during an ultrasound. The fetus will be about five inches long and may weigh as much as seven ounces at this point in development.
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Connect to the Internet and look up a site which has pictures of fetal development (see references). The third trimester is a period of fine tuning for the fetus. If he/she was born during the first part of the third trimester, there would be a 50 percent chance of survival with the proper medical care. During this last period of time in the uterus, the baby will begin to practice breathing, and although it will be amniotic fluid instead of air, it will cause the lungs to strengthen and develop. During this time, the fetus will begin putting on much more weight in the form of body fat, which will serve to keep it warm when it is born. The organs are now completely formed and functioning. At this time, baby is now fully formed and ready to be born.
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