FETAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 20 WEEKS TO BIRTH

GROUP 6
 INTRODUCTION
• During this period, cell differentiation is
complete and the embryo is referred to as a
fetus thus the reference as fetal period.
• This developmental stage from the 20th week
through to the 40th week cover the 2nd and 3rd
trimester of pregnancy.
• The early body systems and structures
established in the embryonic stage continue to
develop.
 20 WEEKS
• This is the midpoint of pregnancy as estimated from the
beginning of the last menses.
• The fetus weighs about 200g and length of 25cm , its
weight begins to increase in a linear manner.
• From this point onward, the fetus moves about every
minute since the legs reach their final relative positions,
fetal movement is felt by mother(quickening).
• The fetal skin is less transparent, a downy lanugo covers
its entire body and some scalp hair has developed.
LANUGO
 AT 20 WEEKS
• Fetal heart tones becomes audible with a stethoscope.
Myelination of spinal cord begins.
• Head hair, eyelashes and eyebrows can be seen.- The sebaceous
glands are active, resulting in vernix caseosa deposition. Vernix
coating on the neonatal skin protects the newborn skin and
facilitates extra-uterine adaptation of skin in the first postnatal
week if not washed away after birth.
• Lung development continues as bronchial branching is completed
and terminal air sacs begin to develop. The pulmonary capillary
bed is forming in preparation for gaseous exchange.
• By the end of 20 weeks the fetus weighs about 300g and is 25cm
long.
 20-24 WEEKS
• Most organs functioning well.
• Eyes complete.
• Ear apparatus developing. The inner ear is ossified and the
fetus begins to recognize certain sounds
• Skin red and wrinkled and still slightly transparent.
• At 22 weeks, Meconium, baby's first bowel movement, is made
in the intestinal tract.
• In CNS, typical layers in cerebral cortex and cauda equina at
first sacral level emerge.
• In lungs epithelium changes from cuboidal to flattened, alveoli
emerge.
 24 WEEKS
• The fetus weighs about 650g.
• The skin wrinkled and fat deposition begins.
• The head is still comparatively large and
eyelashes and eyebrows are recognizable.
• The canalicular period of lung
development(where the gas exchanging portion
of the lung is formed and vascularized ), bronchi
and bronchiole enlarge and alveolar duct
develop, is nearly completed.
 24-28 WEEKS
• Legally viable and survival may be expected if born.
• At 25 weeks, bone marrow begins to make blood cells.
The fetus also begins to store fats. Fingerprints and
foot prints ridges are formed.
• There is increased response to sound and the fetus may
be startled by loud noises or respond to familiar sounds
with muscle movement.
• Here the body is better proportioned, the skin is
translucent and subcutaneous fat has began to be laid
out.
 AT 28 WEEKS
• The weight increases from 800-1100g.
• The thin skin is red and covered with vernix caseosa.
• CNS develop to allow initiation of rhythmic breathing
movements and partial temperature control. Cerebral fissures
and convolutions are formed.
• In eyes and ear, eyelids reopen the retina can perceive light.
The pupillary membrane has just disappeared from the eyes.
• The infant fills the uterine cavity and the extremities are flexed
against the body.
• Myelination progresses and sleep-wake cycles are established.
 AT 28 WEEKS

• There is formation auricular cartilage.

• Taste sense also develops.
• There is accumulation of fat and the fetus
becomes round.
• In the lungs, the number of alveoli is still
incomplete.
 28-32 WEEKS
• The fetus’ body begins storing iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
• Testes descend into scrotum.
• Lanugo disappears from face- Skin becomes pale and less
wrinkled.
• There is rapid brain growth and development and the
nervous system is developed enough to control some body
functions e.g. : Temp regulation.
• At the 30th week, the respiratory system, while immature,
produces surfactant which reduces surface tension preventing
the lungs from collapsing.
 32 WEEKS
• Fetus weighs about 1800g and length of about
28cm.
• The skin surface is still slightly wrinkled.
• The fetus’ eyelids can open and close.
• Rhythmic breathing occurs, but fetus' lungs are
not fully mature.
• Bones are fully developed, but are still soft.
 32-36 WEEKS
• Weight gain 25g/day due to increased fat.
• Lanugo disappears from body and head hair
lengthens.
• At 34 weeks, the nails reach the fingertips.
• Plantar increases visibly.
• The skin is not as wrinkled as fat forms under
the skin.
• Fetus has definite sleeping patterns.
 36 WEEKS
• The average length is about 32cm and weight 2500g.
• Body is rounded- deposition of subcutaneous fat hence
wrinkled appearance lost.
• Skull formed but soft and delicate.
• The heart and blood vessels are fully developed.
• Birth is expected.
• The fetus drops lower into the mother’s pelvis
• The fetus has coordinated reflexes and can blink, close
the eyes, turn the head, grasp firmly, and respond to
sounds, light and touch.
 AT 38 WEEKS

• The weight increases to 3200 upto 3400g.

• In the CNS, myelin formation within the brain.
• In the eyes, the lacrimal ducts are canalized.
• In the face, there is formation of rudimentary
frontal maxillary senses.
• Lanugo is gone except for on the upper arms
and shoulders.
• Fingernails may extend beyond fingertips.
• Small breast buds are present on both sexes.
• Head hair is now coarse and thicker.
 BY 38-40 WEEKS
• Fetal size averages 3800g and 35cm.
• In lungs, the vascular components become
adequate for respiration.
 40 WEEKS
• Fetus fully developed.
• Weight of about 3400g and length of 36cm.
• In the cardiovascular system, there is closure
of foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus, umbilical
vessels, ductus venosus.
•
40 WEEKS
The fetus's position may have changed to
prepare for birth. Ideally, the fetus is ready to
be born.
INCREASE IN SIZE OF FETUS
 REFERENCES
• Myles textbook for midwives
• England M A Life before birth, 2nd edition
NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER

MIRIAM NKIROTE H151-01- 2004/2021

BERYL CHELANGAT H151-01-1711/2020

BRIAN NZII - H151-01-1997/2021

FAITH KIROGO H151-01-2646/2021

BRIAN ORENGE H151-01-2031/2021

JOY MUTUKU H151-01-2029/2021

WYCLIF KIPLANGAT H151-01-2020/2021

AHMED ABDULMAJID H151-01-2044/2021

DAVID MUSILI H151-01-2479/2021

ASHLEY AKINYI H151-01-2808/2021