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What is a Fetus?

A.E. Freeman
By
Updated Mar 03, 2024
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A fetus is an unborn, developing mammal. The fetal stage comes after the embryo stage, after the eighth week of gestation or the 10th week of pregnancy, and lasts until birth. A normally developing embryo will have begun to form major identifying features at the end of the eighth week, such as its nose and mouth. Its organs will also have begun to develop and will continue to do so until it is born.

As an embryo develops into a fetus in a pregnant woman, it grows arms and legs and begins to develop fingers and toes. It also begins to grow ears and eyelids. The embryo also begins to form lungs in the eighth week of pregnancy, and its brain continues developing. At this stage in the pregnancy, the embryo is still very small, at less than 0.75 of an inch long.

In the beginning of the fetal period of a pregnancy, starting at week nine of gestation, the baby closes its eyelids. The eyes remain closed until the pregnancy is nearly over. It genitals have begun to develop, and it is beginning to produce red blood cells in its liver. During weeks nine to 12, the face will become fully formed, and it will be able to clench its hand into a fist.

Throughout the rest of the pregnancy, the baby will continue to grow and develop. It will grow hair, eyelashes, and nails. The body will begin to store fat, and its respiratory system will develop and mature over the course of the pregnancy.

Although most fetuses are able to move by the eighth week, most mothers are unable to feel the movement until around the 20th week, or halfway through a human pregnancy. During the 20th week, the fetal heartbeat becomes audible through a stethoscope outside of the uterus.

The definition of a fetus can be a source for debate. Some people believe that a human child is not fully a human child until born and that abortion is acceptable because the fetus is not yet a baby. Other people argue that life begins once the egg is fertilized, so even an embryo qualifies as a living being with rights to life. Some debates focus on whether a fetus can feel pain inside the womb and whether it is acceptable to show a pregnant woman ultrasound images as she makes a decision to abort.

The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A.E. Freeman
By A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and retention. With a background in the arts, she combines her writing prowess with best practices to deliver compelling content across various domains and effectively connect with target audiences.
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Discussion Comments
By calpat — On Jan 29, 2011

One thing that I learned during my pregnancies is that although a fetus is considered to be full-term at 37 weeks because its lungs are finally developed enough to work, some babies just need a bit more time for one reason or another. So to all you mothers out there who feel like you're about to pop, just remember that the baby will come in its own time, and you should not try to rush things without medical reason to do so!

By rosoph — On Jan 28, 2011

It is important to note that elective 3D and 4D ultrasounds are not meant to replace the complete diagnostic 2D ultrasound routinely done by a health care provider. It is very important to get a routine ultrasound done by a health care provider to monitor the health of the fetus.

By write79 — On Jan 25, 2011

As an additional treat, it is now possible to get a 3D or 4D ultrasound. A 3D ultrasound shows the baby in three dimensional images. A 4D ultrasound gives the same three dimensional images, as well as movement of the fetus. These ultrasounds are used as a bonding technique between the parents and the fetus.

By roxytalks — On Jan 24, 2011

One of the most exciting moments during pregnancy is when a fetus ultrasound is performed. Fetus ultrasounds are used by medical professionals to determine a variety of things, including the expected due date, the size of the baby, and the sex of the baby. For the parents however, this is their first glimpse of their child.

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and...
Learn more
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