Unit 4
Biologically conception is the moment when a sperm cell from a male enters the ovum or the egg from a female. The process is also known as fertilization and this is the initial stage of development for the baby’s growth. This is one of the key stages of sexual reproduction which is a form of reproduction that is necessary for genetic diversity.
At four weeks a baby’s brain and spinal cord begin to form and the heart begins to form, also the arm and leg buds appear and the baby is now classed as an embryo and one twenty fifth inch long at this stage.
At eight weeks all major organs and external body structures have started to form, the baby’s heart beats at a regular rhythm, their arms and legs now grow fingers and their toes begin to form, at this stage the sex organs are developing. The eyes move forward on the face and eyelids are formed, the umbilical cord is also clearly visible. And by the end of eight weeks the baby is classed as a foetus and looks more like human. The size of the baby at this stage is one-inch-long and weighs less than one eighth ounces.
At twelve weeks the baby’s nerves and muscles begin to work together.
At sixteen weeks’ baby’s limbs and joints are formed and routine tests will be done at this stage at antenatal appointments, also it is safe to have sex at this stage.
At twenty weeks’ baby can do somersaults and there will be likely to have some aching this is due to fact that the foetus is growing so the whole body is stretching
At twenty-four weeks the chance of survival is positive if born premature and it is possible to feel unsteady on feet due to the weight.
At twenty-eight weeks the baby’s heart will be beating strongly
At thirty-two weeks’ finger nails of the foetus are starting to grow and they can also dream at this stage. At thirty-six weeks there is likely to be putting on some weight as the foetus