5 Amazing Facts About Fetal Development
With the back to school season in full gear, it’s time to brush up on a few important science facts!
WATCH this brief clip and read more below for 5 important (and amazing!) facts about fetal development:
- Life begins at fertilization.
The question of when life begins is not a philosophical one – it is settled science. At the moment of fertilization, a new, unique individual is created.
“For over 100 years, human embryology has stated that in sexual reproduction a new, whole, individual, living human being begins to exist at the beginning of the process of fertilization, i.e. at “first contact” between the sperm and the oocyte (“egg”).”
>>>> Learn more about human embryology from the science-education non-profit Contend Project.
- Week 3: baby’s heart begins to beat.
Only 3 weeks and 1 day after fertilization – the heart begins to beat. And here’s an amazing fact – between fertilization and birth, the heart beats approximately 54 million times!
A new mobile app (along with an add-on device) now allows expectant moms to hear their baby’s heartbeat using their phone!
- Week 6: brain activity begins.
At just six weeks and two days, an embryo has developed brainwaves!
- Week 8: fingers and toes form.
Between five and seven and a half weeks, development of hands and feet occurs. By eight weeks, distinct fingers and toes exist.
- Week 9: yawning begins!
During the ninth week, a fetus will start to routinely yawn. This is also when vocal cords are developing and the first sign of eye movement is apparent. Not to mention, this is when most fetuses start sucking their thumb!
As you can see, incredible things are happening through just the first two months of pregnancy. We’ve highlighted just a few items, but you can learn about every stage of prenatal development thanks to the Endowment for Human Development.
Pro-life is 100% pro-science.
