1. Basic rules of fetal development
The process of fetal development is a gradual process of cell differentiation, organ development and functional maturation. Throughout pregnancy, the growth and development of the fetus shows certain regularity. First, the human embryo divides during the first week after fertilization and enters the initial proliferation stage, with the formation of the egg sac usually occurring between days 8 and 12. After that, it enters the important stage of organ differentiation and organ development, that is, the embryonic stage. The embryonic period begins between the 3rd and 4th weeks after birth and lasts until the 8th week. During the embryonic period, fetal tissues and organs gradually differentiate and form, showing different organ systems, organ morphology and functions. Between the 9th week and just before birth, the embryonic stage transitions to the fetal stage, and the fetus begins to continue growing and developing. During this period, the fetal organs further develop and mature, the body proportions gradually become recognized, and the fetal weight and length also continue to increase.
2. Monthly stages of fetal development
January: The fertilized egg combines with sperm in the fallopian tube to form a blastocyst, which undergoes multiple cell divisions and then implants in the uterus. At this time, the egg cell divides into two layers, the inner layer is the placenta, and the outer layer is the amniotic membrane.
February: At this time, the outer cells in the blastocyst differentiate into reducing organs such as salivary glands, skin, and eyes. The inner cells differentiate into cells that are ready to enter the embryonic stage.
March: The embryonic period begins. At this time, the embryo has differentiated into three layers, namely epithelial layer, mesoderm and endoderm. These layers will each form different organs and tissues. At this time, most of the embryo\’s organs have begun to form.
April: In this month, the development of most organs has been completed and the organs have begun to mature. The subcutaneous fat layer begins to store, and the ovaries and testicles begin to form. At this time, the fetus begins to look more and more like a real person.
May: The fetus weighs about 200 grams, and the lips, nose, nails and hair have formed. The nervous system and calf muscles are also formed at this time.
June: At this time, the fetal brain and lungs have developed to a sufficiently mature level. The fetus\’ eyes also begin to become more sensitive and can detect the presence of light.
July: This month, the fetus looks more and more like a newborn, with smoother skin and more visible hair. The fetal lungs have developed enough to breathe on their own, but they still need to mature further.
August: At this time, the fetus begins to accumulate fat and gain weight. The umbilical cord becomes thicker and the blood vessels become more obvious. At this point, your doctor may order an ultrasound to learn more about how your pregnancy is progressing.
September: At this time, the fetus is in the golden period of growth, and its head circumference, body length, waist circumference and leg length are all increasing. The baby\’s skin has also become smooth and delicate, and the color is getting closer to the skin color of a newborn.
3. Factors affecting fetal development
During fetal development, there are many internal and external factors that will affect fetal development, such as maternal nutritional status, parental genetic factors, environmental factors, etc. The mother\’s nutritional status is crucial during the formation and growth of the fetus. Nutrients such as maternal vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids are all needed for fetal development. The genetic factors of parentsIt also determines fetal genetic traits and susceptibility. In addition, it is also important for mothers to develop good living habits, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, maintaining adequate sleep, and controlling weight, for the healthy growth of the fetus.
4. Fetal health care measures during pregnancy
During pregnancy, maintaining good nutrition and living habits is not only beneficial to the mother\’s health, but also has an important impact on the growth and development of the fetus. It is recommended to eat more foods rich in iron, protein, calcium and vitamins during pregnancy, and to avoid smoking, drinking, strong tea, coffee and other irritating drinks. Women should also try to eliminate infectious factors and other risk factors, such as chemicals and pesticides, to best protect the health of mother and baby.
Summary
To sum up, fetal development is an amazing process. Understanding the laws of fetal growth and development, especially taking scientific health care measures during pregnancy, such as maintaining good nutrition and living habits, and reducing smoking, drinking and other irritating drinks, can effectively improve the possibility of fetal health. All of these factors help ensure that the fetus is in its healthiest, most optimal state during pregnancy and after birth.
