Source: bing.comWhen a woman becomes pregnant, her body starts to undergo some incredible changes. Her body will be responsible for growing and nourishing a tiny human being for nine months. But what is a developing baby called? There are different names that people use to refer to a developing baby, depending on the stage of pregnancy. In this article, we’ll explore the different terms used to describe a developing baby and what each of these terms means.
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The Different Terms Used to Describe a Developing Baby
A developing baby goes through different stages of development during the nine months of pregnancy. Here are some of the different terms used to describe a developing baby:
Zygote
A zygote is the fertilized egg that results from the fusion of a sperm and an egg. It contains all the genetic information needed to form a human being. The zygote is the first stage of development and is the size of a pinhead.
Embryo
The zygote undergoes a series of cell divisions and becomes an embryo. An embryo is the term used to describe a developing baby from around 2 weeks to 8 weeks after fertilization. At this stage, the embryo is about the size of a kidney bean and the major organs start to form.
Fetus
After 8 weeks, the developing baby is called a fetus. A fetus is the term used to describe a developing baby from around 8 weeks until birth. At this stage, the fetus is about the size of a grapefruit and continues to grow and develop. The fetus starts to move and can be felt by the mother around 16-22 weeks into the pregnancy.
What Happens During Each Stage of Development?
During each stage of development, different changes take place in the developing baby’s body. Here’s a brief overview of what happens in each stage:
Zygote
The zygote undergoes a series of cell divisions and travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Once it reaches the uterus, it implants in the thick lining of the uterus and starts to receive nourishment from the mother’s blood.
Embryo
During the embryonic stage, the major organs start to form. The heart starts to beat, the brain and nervous system start to develop, and the arms and legs start to form. The embryo is protected by the amniotic sac and the placenta, which provide nourishment and oxygen.
Fetus
During the fetal stage, the fetus continues to grow and develop. The major organs are fully formed and start to function. The fetus starts to move and can be felt by the mother. The fetus also starts to develop a layer of fat, which helps to regulate body temperature after birth.
What Is a Developing Baby Called at Different Stages of Pregnancy?
Now that we know the different terms used to describe a developing baby, let’s take a look at what a developing baby is called at different stages of pregnancy:
First Trimester
During the first trimester, the developing baby is called an embryo. The embryo is around the size of a kidney bean and the major organs start to form.
Second Trimester
During the second trimester, the developing baby is called a fetus. The fetus is about the size of a grapefruit and starts to move. The mother can usually feel the baby’s movements at around 16-22 weeks into the pregnancy.
Third Trimester
During the third trimester, the developing baby is still called a fetus. The fetus continues to grow and develop and is preparing for birth. The fetus will start to move into the head-down position, which is the optimal position for birth.
Conclusion
A developing baby goes through different stages of development during the nine months of pregnancy. The zygote is the first stage of development, followed by the embryo and the fetus. Each stage of development is marked by different changes in the developing baby’s body. Knowing what a developing baby is called at different stages of pregnancy can help parents-to-be understand what is happening during each stage of pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How big is a developing baby at each stage of pregnancy?
A: The size of a developing baby varies at each stage of pregnancy. The zygote is the size of a pinhead, the embryo is around the size of a kidney bean, and the fetus is about the size of a grapefruit.
Q: When does a developing baby start to move?
A: A developing baby starts to move at around 8-12 weeks into the pregnancy, but the mother usually can’t feel the movements until around 16-22 weeks into the pregnancy.
Q: What is the optimal position for a developing baby before birth?
A: The optimal position for a developing baby before birth is head-down. This position makes it easier for the baby to move through the birth canal during delivery.
Q: What is the placenta?
A: The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy and provides nourishment and oxygen to the developing baby.
Q: When does a developing baby’s heart start to beat?
A: A developing baby’s heart starts to beat around 6 weeks into the pregnancy.