Skip to main content

What major changes occur in a developing fetus during the second trimester of pregnancy?

The second trimester of pregnancy (the fourth, fifth, and sixth months) may be best described as the time when the fetus really begins to look like what we think of as a baby. During the first trimester, the embryo grows from just a small clump of cells to a recognizable fetus. Beginning with the fourth month, or about the fourteenth week of pregnancy, some major changes begin to take place! The fetal brain is beginning...

The second trimester of pregnancy (the fourth, fifth, and sixth months) may be best described as the time when the fetus really begins to look like what we think of as a baby. During the first trimester, the embryo grows from just a small clump of cells to a recognizable fetus. Beginning with the fourth month, or about the fourteenth week of pregnancy, some major changes begin to take place! The fetal brain is beginning to fire nerve impulses, and the fetus may be gaining a sense of control over their facial muscles. The fetus may be observed moving on an ultrasound during the fourth month, though the mother may not feel it for several more weeks. The liver and pancreas begin producing secretions, and cartilage is beginning to harden into bone.


During the fifth month, the mother is more likely to feel "kicking" or quickening, as the fetus has increased control over their muscles and many of the bones and joints have hardened. The senses will also begin to develop around this time, and myelin is laid down as a protective coating of the nerves. Because the fetus' sense of hearing is developing during this time, some parents like to talk or play music and observe for fetal movement.


During the sixth month of gestation, the fetal heartbeat may now be heard with a stethoscope. A fine, peach-fuzz like fur covers all of the fetus' body and will help to keep them warm after birth. Meconium--the baby's first poo after being born--is developing inside the gastrointestinal tract. By this time, the fetus is far more recognizable as a baby, and even develops eyelashes and eyebrows. The nails also finish growing during this time. Towards the end of the sixth month, the fetus will begin to store fat in their soft tissues, and the lower airways of the lungs are beginning to develop.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is hyperbole in the story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry?

The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his... The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him plu
Post a Comment
Read more

How can I analyze Moon and Six Pence by Somerset Maugham?

In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of... In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of that society. His decision to e
Post a Comment
Read more

What are some literary devices in Macbeth, Act V, Scene 1?

Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not... Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh! oh, oh! (5.1.53-55) Hyperbole - Obvious exaggeration  There is also h
Post a Comment
Read more