Fetal Development: Phases And Influential Factors

An embryo becomes a fetus during the eighth week in the womb. At this stage of fetal development, it already measures about one and a half centimeters and its weight is only almost one gram.

Although it is only the size of a bean, the fetus already performs its first movements. Of course, these movements are still imperceptible to the mother.

During this period of fetal development , traits and extremities begin to form. The lips, eyelids, nose and ears develop in early pregnancy, as do the fingers and toes.

As for the bone and muscle structure, the bones that begin to take shape can be seen through the skin, even if at this stage they still consist only of cartilage. The heart and liver, in turn, are functional and continue to develop.

Thereafter, the fetus will develop even more week after week until it is ready to face the world that awaits it.

What changes does the mother undergo during fetal development?

Some symptoms that pregnant women may experience at this stage are:

• Discomfort or pain in the abdominal area as the fetus increases in size
• Weight gain, for the same reason
• Increase in breast size. This is explained by the expansion of the channels through which the milk will circulate.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• More sensitive sense of smell. This can generate vomiting as certain foods or unpleasant odors cause nausea.
• Fatigue. The body works hard to create a new person inside the mother. This can cause a lot of fatigue, in addition to impaired sleep due to any of the above symptoms or nervousness and anxiety.

Factors that may alter the normal development of the fetus

The main factor, or at least the most important, is the mother’s diet. Several foods can generate changes in fetal behavior. It is generally said that sweets induce increased activity in the fetus.

Therefore, it is important that the mother eats a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy. And that does not mean “eating for two”, but that she eats proteins, vitamins and other specific nutrients in the right balance and the right amount for both of them throughout the pregnancy.

It is also important to avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol.

In addition, if you suffer from any disease or condition related to metabolism, such as high cholesterol, diarrhea or diabetes, you need to take special care. Contact a doctor before complications occur to avoid major problems in the future.

On the other hand, a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology confirms what many have already said: exercise during pregnancy is safe and can benefit both the mother and the baby.

In any case, it is always better to consult a specialist about the type of training that is right for you.

It is also very important that you perform periodic ultrasounds to ensure that everything is going as it should.

During an ultrasound, you can see the baby, hear its heart and control its growth. These are very important for the control and monitoring of pregnancy.

Signals to look out for during fetal development

According to the Sutter Health Network of Hospitals and Physicians, it is important for the mother to consult her chosen physician if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Blurred vision or flashes of light, with or without headache
• An area of ​​heat, redness and pain in the ankle or behind the knee
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating or if you urinate very frequently
• Fever of 38 degrees or more that lasts for more than 24 hours
• Sudden severe or continuous pain, or cramps in the abdomen
• Bleeding or vaginal spotting
• In case of blows and shocks to the stomach
• If your hands, feet or face suddenly swells up sharply
• Sores or blisters in the vaginal area (possibly herpes)
• Symptoms of vaginal infection, including itching, burning sensation and unusual discharge
• Being involved in a car accident

• Continuous flow of a small amount of fluid or a stream of water from the vagina
• Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting for more than 24 hours

Finally, it is remarkable that all advances in technology and medicine have made it possible to detect many complications that the fetus may exhibit during pregnancy, such as diabetes and spina bifida.

This is another reason for the benefits of regular checks.