Illustration of fetal development: fetal development at six months
At different stages of pregnancy, the growth and development process of the fetus is also different. This article will elaborate on the development process of the six-month-old fetus from four aspects: fetal body structure development, organ system development, nervous system development and fetal mobility development.
Fetal body structure development
In the twentieth week of pregnancy, the fetus has grown to about 30 centimeters and weighs about 600 grams. At this time, the fetus\’s body proportions begin to become normal, with the head accounting for about one-third of the entire body length, and is no longer as prominent as it was in the early stages. The fetus\’ limbs have been fully developed, and the fingers and toes have obvious structures and can bend and extend. At this time, the fetus\’s skin becomes smoother and begins to take on the color of a baby\’s skin, and its hair and nails begin to grow.
As pregnancy progresses, the weight of the fetus also increases. By the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, the fetus\’s weight has reached about 700 grams. The baby\’s skin gradually becomes more elastic, and hair and eyebrows begin to form. At this time, the fetus has begun to have obvious facial expressions, and the lips and eyelids have been fully developed.
Fetal organ system development
Around the seventeenth week of pregnancy, the fetal heart is fully developed and beats approximately 100 to 160 times per minute. Over the next few weeks, the lungs and liver also begin to develop, but they are not yet fully functional. At this time, the fetus\’s kidneys are fully developed and can begin to produce urine.
By the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, the fetal digestive system and urinary system have completed development, and almost all organs have grown into their complete form. In addition, the fetus\’s pancreas and reproductive organs have also begun to develop, but the gender of the reproductive organs is still uncertain.
Fetal nervous system development
During pregnancy, the development of the fetus\’s brain and nervous system is very important. Around the seventeenth week of pregnancy, the fetus\’s brain and spinal cord have formed, and neurons are beginning to make connections. By the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, the fetal cerebral cortex begins to develop, and the brain\’s functions become more and more complex.
In addition, in the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, the fetus\’s auditory function has also developed and it can hear external sounds, especially the mother\’s voice. This is a great time for parents to enjoy and spend time with their fetus.
Development of fetal mobility
Around the twentieth week of pregnancy, the fetus begins to be able to perform some basic movements, such as shaking hands and kicking. By the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, the fetus has learned more actions, such as playing with its toes, stretching, and even burping in the mother\’s belly, all of which are common behaviors.
In addition, by the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, the fetus\’s vision also begins to develop, and it can see things around it and has a preliminary perception of brightness and color.
Summary
In the sixth month of pregnancy, the fetus has a relatively complete body structure and organ system, and the brain has become increasingly complex., hearing and vision functions gradually began to sprout. At the same time, the fetus\’ mobility is also constantly improving, becoming a vibrant little life. For parents who want to understand the growth and development process of the fetus, it is indeed very beneficial to have this knowledge.
