Unit 4 Online lab Fetal Development

Unit 4 Online Lab Fetal Development

During this lab I will be explaining some of the stages during pregnancy and when they take place. I will be referencing the time frame in weeks starting with 4 weeks, which is counting from the first day of the last menstrual period.
The four week of pregnancy is when the placenta is under construction if you will and the baby is in the yolk sac awaiting its permanent home. The beginning of the connecting stalk which becomes the umbilical cord has appeared. This is very significant because the embryo needs the placenta for development and the umbilical cord provides nutrients to the baby during development.
The brain starts forming three separate parts in the sixth week of pregnancy. Along with the heart is now circulating blood and the kidneys and liver are growing. A very significant part of this week is that the spinal cord in now connected to the brain. Which makes up the central nervous system and is very important. (below is 6 weeks)

At nine weeks the major organs, muscles, and nerves have developed and the embryo is very active. The testes or ovaries are developed but gender still cant be determined by ultra sound. This is a very exciting time because the heart beat can now be heard using a Doppler.(shown below 9 weeks)
At the end of ten weeks the baby will have noticeable fingers and toes, the tail disappears, and the external ear and upper lip are now complete as well. This is a very significant time since from here on out the baby is referred to as a fetus.
At eleven weeks the irises are now forming, the primitive tail is gone, and the baby’s head starts to slow in grown. This is an important stage since now that most of the major organs such as liver, brain and intestines are ready for operation the details start to form such as hair.

(shown below 11 weeks)
In the thirteen week the baby is growing fingernail and toenails, organs are functioning on there own now. The intestines are now inside the abdomen and the baby has reflexes and will respond to external forces. This is a very important stage because the baby is now functioning and responding to stimuli and growing to become strong enough to live outside the uterus.
At fourteen weeks it can be very exciting for the mother since the baby is now starting to move around and its possible to feel a fluttering sensation. Another important part of this week is that the neck is complete along with little fingerprints. (Shown below 14 weeks)
Sixteen weeks is another very important stage since the gender can now be determined if you have an extroverted fetus. Coordination and sucking reflex can be noticed with an ultrasound and the baby is now 3 ounces and 12 centimeters long.
At nineteen weeks permanent teeth buds are forming and the reproductive organs are under fast development. An ultra sound can easily determine the gender of the child now and this is the time when most mothers choice to know if they are having a boy or girl. (shown below 19 weeks)
Twenty two weeks is an exciting time for the baby since now he or she can hear sound from the outside. The development of eyelids, eyebrows, and fat under the skin to keep the baby warm and maintain body temperature are all happing at this time. (shown below 22 weeks)
Work Cited:
http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/calendar?ivNPA=1&prd=sch&sky=gglivlfetalppPPC192Dc

http://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment