Title: The Fetal Period of Pregnancy: Definition & Development - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com
Headings: The Fetal Period of Pregnancy: Definition & Development
The Fetal Period of Pregnancy: Definition & Development
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The Fetal Stage of Pregnancy
What Happens During the Fetal Stage?
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Content: During the fetal stage, many of the body systems will begin to mature. By week 14, the genitals will be easy to differentiate. While doctors usually wait until at least the 18th week of pregnancy to reveal the gender, accurate identification can be done as early as 13 weeks. Additionally, around this time, the facial features become more defined. Between weeks 13-16, the fetus begins to move, which means the muscles are developing. The skeleton of the fetus is, at this point, primarily cartilage, or soft connective tissue, but may also contain some hardened bone. This is also the period where the liver and pancreas, both accessory digestive organs, will begin secreting enzymes and hormones within the fetus. By week 19, the heartbeat of the fetus can be detected clearly with a stethoscope. From there, the lungs and alveoli, or air sacs, will develop around week 23 as the respiratory system continues to form. Another development that starts around this time is the integration of nervous system control over the body functions.