Foetal development Flashcards
define foetus
The developing individual after the second month of pregnancy
how long is the foetal development period
30 weeks
what are the structural changes during the foetal development period
3 months - - forelimbs develop - bone marrow formed 4 months - - arms and hands fully shaped - skeleton completed 5 months - - fine hairs cover the body - gripping reflexes developed 6 months - - respiratory movement s - eyebrows 7 months - - all systems are functional - except respiratory - period of greatest growth 8 months - - accumulation of fat underneath the skin - growth slowed 9 months - - eyes open - nose well-formed
describe the growth from an embryo to a foetus in terms of weight and height
- during the embryonic period the embryo grows 4mm to 3cm
- during foetal development, it grows from 3cm to 50cm
- during foetal development will grow from 4 grams to 3400 grams
what changes does the pregnant mother encounter
- growing abdomen
- enlargement of breast
- increased blood volume and size of the heart
- increased urine production
describe the mother growing abdomen during pregnancy
The abdomen bulges out as a result of the growing uterus
describe the mother’s enlargement of the breast during pregnancy
The hormones of pregnancy result in the development of the milk-secreting tissue
describe the increased size of the heart and blood volume of the mother during pregnancy
The mother must cater for extra blood flow that is flowing to the placenta
describe how increased urine production occurs during pregnancy
The expanding uterus presses on the bladder so that it feels full of urine
