Fetal

Fetal refers to anything related to a fetus, the stage in mammalian embryonic development after the embryonic stage and before birth. The term is used in medicine to denote the period of development from the eighth week of life until birth.

Definition

A fetus is a developing mammal or other viviparous vertebrate after the embryonic stage and before birth. In humans, this stage occurs from the eighth week of gestation until birth.

Fetal Development

Fetal development is a complex process that involves numerous stages. It begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, which then implants into the wall of the uterus. This fertilized egg, or zygote, then begins to divide and grow into a blastocyst, which implants into the uterine wall.

The blastocyst then develops into an embryo, which is the stage of development from implantation until about the eighth week of gestation. After the eighth week, the embryo is referred to as a fetus.

During the fetal stage, all of the major organs and systems of the body develop. This includes the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, and reproductive system. The fetus also grows in size and weight during this time.

Fetal Health

Fetal health is a critical aspect of prenatal care. It can be assessed through various methods, including ultrasound, amniocentesis, and blood tests. These tests can help to identify any potential issues or abnormalities in the fetus's development.

Proper prenatal care, including regular check-ups and a healthy diet, can help to ensure the health of the fetus. Certain behaviors, such as smoking or drinking alcohol, can harm the fetus and should be avoided.

See Also

• Embryo
• Pregnancy
• Prenatal care
• Ultrasound
• Amniocentesis

References

Fetal Resources
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