Fetal Period: Slow Development

At the beginning of the third month, the fertile period begins - the time of strengthening, development and formation of structures and organs. In the fourth month, the digestive tract, liver, pancreas and kidneys begin to develop, and the circulatory system provides nutrition to the fetal cells. Hair and nails appear. In the fifth month, the formation of the nervous system begins: neurons form a complex network of excitations and responses. The mother begins to feel the movement of the fetus, which already has eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair.

In the sixth month, the fetus acquires a pinkish color due to blood in the capillaries. At seven months, the lungs are so developed that the baby’s survival is ensured in the event of premature birth. The bone marrow begins its function of producing red blood cells, and the nervous system regulates body temperature and respiratory movements.

At the eighth month, the lungs are finally ready to take the first breaths and exhalations. The skin becomes pink and smooth. At nine months the chest protrudes. The fetus usually occupies a position in the uterus with its head down and remains in this position because the uterus can no longer expand.

At the 36th week, already in the last phase, the fetus rests its head on the mother's pelvis and is ready for birth, which occurs between the 38th and 42nd weeks.

Anatomy of the mother's abdominal cavity in the ninth month of gestation On average, a woman's body produces 400 mature eggs during her life, although the vast majority of them are not fertilized. The oldest known woman to give birth was Ruth Kistler from Oregon, USA, who gave birth to a girl in 1966 at the age of 57.

It is believed that the Russian peasant woman Vasilyeva, who lived in the 18th century, gave birth to the largest number of children - 69, 16 times she gave birth to twins, 7 times to triplets and four times to 4 babies.

A pregnant woman needs to maintain healthy diet, habits and lifestyle. Just as nutrients and oxygen pass through the placenta to the fetus, harmful substances consumed by the mother can also pass through, especially in the early months of pregnancy.

Therefore, pregnant women need to take some precautions:

1. Avoid infections such as rubella, which affects the heart, vision and hearing of the fetus.

2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

3. Consult your doctor when taking medications.

4. Avoid smoking, as mothers who smoke give birth to babies who weigh less, have problems digesting food easily, and are more susceptible to infections.

In many cases, you should consult a doctor about genetic issues. The doctor will determine the presence of hereditary abnormalities. One of the most well-known genetic disorders is Down syndrome. For every 650 newborns, there is one case of Down syndrome, caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in the 21st pair. The patient's cells have 47 chromosomes instead of 46.

Although the disease is incurable, some results can be achieved, such as improving the patient's motor abilities.