Prenatal Development

Stimulation of the lips causes swallowing, and palmar grasp reflex is present.

Cartilaginous skeleton forms with no joints.

Baby is considered full term.

Heart divides internally, lungs divide into lobes, lymphatic system develops.

Movement is more coordinated, thumb sucking occurs.

Baby turns toward sound.

Neural tube closes (if it doesn't, this is when spina bifida can occur).

Spinal cord cord and associated nerves are present throughout. Embryonic development is complete.

Baby swims in the womb. Mother can feel baby move.

Baby is sensitive to visual stimuli.

Neural plate and folds appear. Baby is considered an embryo.

Movement is first seen on ultrasound.

Rapid growth continues to occur, fingerprints develop. (if growth is abnormal, limb length discrepancy can occur)

Brain myelination begins.

Somites (basis of skeleton) form. Cephalic and caudal ends are distinguishable.

Spontaneous, rigorous movement. Rigorous rooting reflex.

Baby can survive if born during this time because surfactant is produced which prevents alveoli form collapsing.

Movement becomes smoother, fetus gets fatter.

Eyes and ear vesicles form, limb buds are present. Primordia of liver, pancreas, lungs, thyroid gland, kidney and heart appear.

Spinal cord myelination. Eyebrows and fingernails develop.

Baby has best chance of survival if born early. Full movement necessary for life. Active and passive tone are present.

Extensor and flexor tone are present.

First heartbeats occur.

Flexor tone should exceed extensor tone.

Mother needs diet sufficient in ______ for proper spinal cord myelination to occur.

Women should take folic acid for _____ prior to conception.

Most congenital hip dislocations occur at this stage.

Peripheral nerves move to limbs and trunk. Feeling is present in limbs.