Development of a fetus (baby)

• Fetal development


  Healthy development of a fetus
• Early stages of human development


  • Fertilised egg settles into uterus wall
  • Cells grow and divide
  • Cells begin to specialise and form tissues and organs
  • After 8 weeks, embryo is called a fetus
  • By 12 weeks, most organ systems are formed but need to grow and develop further
• Structures that form to support fetal development

  • Placenta
  • Umbilical cord
  • fluid sac
• Placenta

  • Allows substances to move between mother's and fetus' blood without mixing
  • Stops most infections and harmful substances from reaching the baby
• Umbilical cord

  • Carries blood full of dissolved food and oxygen from placenta to fetus
  • Carries blood loaded with waste products from fetus to placenta
• fluid sac

  • Filled with fluid that supports the baby as it grows and moves
  • Acts as a shock absorber, protecting the fetus from bumps
• How a baby is born

  1. After around 40 weeks, baby can no longer get enough food and oxygen through placenta

  2. Cervix relaxes and uterus muscles contract to push baby out

  3. Baby must start breathing for itself after birth