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Pregnancy Stages And Fetus Article
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Pregnancy Stages: Last Trimester
from:Once a woman has reached the pregnancy stages, last trimester, she becomes increasingly eager for the birth. The fetus has accomplished most of its development. All the facial features are obvious. The fingers and toes are well-formed. In fact, it is even possible for the fetus to suck its thumb at this stage.
Much of what happens during this last trimester strengthens what already exists. For example, the lungs have now been completely formed and the fetus could begin breathing air if it had to. The additional few weeks of the pregnancy will allow those tiny lungs to develop and strengthen even more, limiting the possibility of early breathing problems.
The brain of the fetus is also developing. The basic components of the brain now exist, but it is smooth and doesn’t have the wrinkles that are generally associated with brain development. The last several weeks of the pregnancy stages, last trimester allow the brain time to grow, curving in upon itself, thus developing the familiar wrinkles.
The bones of the fetus are all developed and present, but they are still pliable, which will make the birth process easier. After the delivery, some of the bones will harden and fuse. The fact that the bones are present means that the bone marrow can produce red blood cells. Again, the fetus could survive if delivered early, but extra weeks of development will allow the bone marrow to refine its capability and produce more red blood cells.
The fetus is almost ready to survive on its own. In the pregnancy stages, last trimester, during week 30, the fetus could be delivered, though it would be considered premature. In most cases, some form of medical help would be needed to allow the newborn to grow large enough that the physician will allow the mother to take the infant home. By week 38 of the pregnancy stages, last trimester, the fetus could be delivered and not need medical help to survive, but most physicians would rather wait for week 40 before the baby is delivered. These last two weeks allow the fetus to gain additional weight.
During the pregnancy stages, last trimester, the fetus doesn’t have much room to move. Much of the movement is by the hands and feet, but generally, the fetus is making a shift to prepare itself to exit the birth canal. It is gaining weight more quickly than it is gaining length. Mothers will notice that the fetus will respond to sudden, loud noises. It will also respond to soothing sounds, such as the mother’s voice.
As the fetus positions itself for birth, it will sink into the pelvic area. This will cause pressure on the bladder and the expectant mother will find herself making frequent trips to the bathroom. She may also experience false labor pains. Ideally, the expectant mother will have asked her physician plenty of questions and she will be prepared for the birth of her baby.
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Pregnancy Stages And Fetus Specific links
Pregnancy Stages And Fetus News
Bill to outlaw abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy passes La. Senate easily - WWL
Bill to outlaw abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy passes La. Senate easily WWL (AP) -- A bill prohibiting doctors from performing abortions 20 weeks after fertilization by declaring the fetus can feel pain has passed the Senate without opposition. The measure by Senate President John Alario declares that the state should protect ... |
Texas Children's Fetal Center First in Southwestern United States to Perform ... - MarketWatch (press release)
Texas Children's Fetal Center First in Southwestern United States to Perform ... MarketWatch (press release) HOUSTON, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As one of the country's leading medical centers for diagnosing and treating fetal anomalies, and one of the first centers to provide a full range of prenatal surgical options, Texas Children's Fetal ... |
Georgia bans most abortions after 20 weeks pregnancy - Chicago Tribune
 Boston.com | Georgia bans most abortions after 20 weeks pregnancy Chicago Tribune ... Governor Nathan Deal on Tuesday signed legislation banning most abortions after 20 weeks pregnancy, the seventh state to outlaw most late-term abortions based on controversial research that a fetus can feel pain by that stage of development. Georgia bans most late-term abortions, assisted suicide |
Neonatology Professor: Unborn Babies Feel Pain at 20 Weeks - LifeNews.com
 LifeNews.com | Neonatology Professor: Unborn Babies Feel Pain at 20 Weeks LifeNews.com In addition to providing evidence of fetal pain, medical developments have improved the ability of the infant to survive outside the womb at earlier stages of development. “With advancements in neonatology and perinatal medicine, we have been able to ... |
Senate passes 'fetal homicide' bill - The Union Leader
Senate passes 'fetal homicide' bill The Union Leader The Senate-approved bill applies the laws to a “fetus” just beyond the embryo stage, at about eight weeks, according to bill sponsor Sen. Jim Forsythe, R-Strafford. The bill passed by the House in January applies to the death of a fetus 24 weeks or ... |
Texas Children's Fetal Center First in Southwestern United States to Perform ... - Sacramento Bee
Texas Children's Fetal Center First in Southwestern United States to Perform ... Sacramento Bee By Texas Children's Hospital HOUSTON, May 22, 2012 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As one of the country's leading medical centers for diagnosing and treating fetal anomalies, and one of the first centers to provide a full range of prenatal surgical ... |
Tory backbenchers' appeal to protect fetuses from bullying called 'ridiculous' - TheChronicleHerald.ca
Tory backbenchers' appeal to protect fetuses from bullying called 'ridiculous' TheChronicleHerald.ca He calls it the “cruellest of ironies” that there's no protection in Canada for fetuses at any stage of pregnancy. “In this case, it's in every case a terminal victim as a result of the bullying that occurs,” Vellacott said in an interview Thursday. |