Fetal Period

 Fetal period, from the beginning of the 9th

week to end of intrauterine life.
 The length of the embryo (fetus) is by C-
RL, (crown-Rumb Length), and later by
C-H L (Crown- heel length)
 The length of pregnancy 266 days –
38weeks after fertilization, or 40 weeks
from the last menstrual period.
Embryonic Period
Changes in external
appearance
 During 2nd month:
 Beginning of formation of limbs: by the
beginning of 5th week. Forelimb grows from
lateral body wall as an outgrowth: limb bud,
opposite 1-4 cervical segments. Hind limb,
appears later, opposite lumbosacral segments.
Distal portion of the forelimb bud, is flattened to
form hand plate. Then grooves appear in the
hand plate.
Third month

 Eyes become directed anteriorlly

 Ears ascend
 Ossification of some long bones
 Return of intestine into abdominal cavity
 External genitalia
 4th&5th months:
 The fetus lengthens and becomes measures in
CM. CR= 15 cm.
 6th month: The weight increases. Body weight
at birth normally 3000-3400gm.
 The skin of the fetus is reddish and has a
wrinkled appearance because of the lack of
underlying connective tissue
 By 6.5 to 7 months, the fetus has a CRL of
about 25 cm and weighs approximately 1,100 g
Intrauterine Growth
Retardation
 10% lower than expected
 Associated with: Neurological deficiencies,
Cong malformation, hyperglycemia, respiratory
distress syndrome….
 Causes: Chromosomal abnormalities,
teratogens, congenital infections, Poor health
of the mother: hypertension, renal diseases,
cardiac diseases, placental insufficiency,
Nutritional status, drugs, cigarettes, alcohol.
Investigation of growth?

 Ultrasound
 Length
 Weight
 Head circumference
 Abdomen circumference
 Biparietal diameter
 Femur length
Prenatal Diagnosis
 To asses the fetal conditions or to diagnose
suspected diseases before birth
 Amniocentesis: aspirating a sample of amniotic
fluid, and perform analysis: chemical, culture of
cells and chromosomal and genetic studies……
 Chorionic Villous sampling
 Ultrasonography
 Fetoscopy
 Umbilical cord blood sampling