From single cell to fetus

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Contents page
The Developing Fetus (Click on an image)
From single cell to fetus
Supporting the fetus
The placenta and umbilical cord
A healthy fetus
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From single cell to fetus (Click on the forward
button)
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From single cell to fetus
Day 0 The egg has just been fertilised by a sperm.
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From single cell to fetus
Day 1 The fertilised egg divides into two cells.
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From single cell to fetus
Day 2 Two cells divide into four cells.
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From single cell to fetus
Day 3 Four cells divide into eight cells.
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From single cell to fetus
Day 4 Eight cells divide into sixteen cells and
then divides again.
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From single cell to fetus
Day 5-6 The embryo has developed a fluid filled
space.
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From single cell to fetus
Day 7 The bundle of cells implants into the
lining of the mothers uterus. The bundle of
cells is called an embryo.
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From single cell to fetus
Day 28 The embryo is 3 mm long. A small heart
pumps blood along an umbilical cord to the
placenta.
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From single cell to fetus
8 Weeks The embryo develops into a fetus. It is
2.5 cm long and looks human, with eyelids and
small fingers and toes.
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From single cell to fetus
8-40 Weeks The fetus continues to grow and
develop until birth. This is 40 weeks (9 months)
after fertilisation.
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Supporting the fetus (Click on the forward
button)
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Supporting the fetus
The fetus The embryo develops into the baby. The
correct term for the growing baby is the fetus.
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Supporting the fetus
Uterus lining The uterus is also called the womb.


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Supporting the fetus
The placenta Shaped like a plate and attached to
the lining of the uterus. Oxygen and nutrients
for the fetus are supplied across the placenta.

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Supporting the fetus
The umbilical cord Contains blood vessels which
transport blood from the fetus to the placenta
and back

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Supporting the fetus
Amniotic fluid A watery fluid that cushions the
fetus as it develops.

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Supporting the fetus
The cervix At the top of the vagina is a ring of
muscle called the cervix. It is closed until
labour starts and the baby is born.

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The placenta and umbilical cord (click on the
lens to zoom in)
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The placenta and umbilical cord
Lining of the Mothers Uterus
Oxygen and nutrients move from the mothers
blood, across the placenta, into the blood of the
fetus. It then moves along the umbilical cord.
Amniotic Fluid
To the Fetus
Placenta
Umbilical Cord
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The placenta and umbilical cord
Carbon dioxide and other waste from the fetus are
carried in the blood vessel in the umbilical
cord to the placenta. They cross from the blood
of the fetus, through the placenta, into
the mothers blood.
Lining of the Mothers Uterus
Amniotic Fluid
From the Fetus
Placenta
Umbilical Cord
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The placenta and umbilical cord
Lining of the Mothers Uterus
Amniotic Fluid
The placenta is designed so that the substances
pass across it, from the blood of the mother to
the fetus and vice versa. The blood of the
fetus and mother do not mix.
From the Fetus
Placenta
Umbilical Cord
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A healthy fetus (Click on an image)
Do
Dont
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Vaccination Viruses are tiny microbes that can
cross the placenta. Teenage girls are vaccinated
against Rubella (German measles). Vaccination
should occur before pregnancy as the Rubella
virus can seriously damage the fetus.
Do
Dont
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Diet A mother during pregnancy must provide the
fetus with a healthy diet. She must eat plenty of
proteins the fetus will need to grow, calcium for
teeth and bones, and iron so the fetus can make
blood cells.
Do
Dont
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Exercise A pregnant woman should strengthen her
muscles. Gentle activities during early
pregnancy, such as swimming, are useful. At
parent classes mothers learn some special
exercises.
Do
Dont
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Ante-natal care A pregnant woman should have lots
of medical attention through her pregnancy. She
should have scans to check the fetus is
developing correctly. A midwife also regularly
checks on the mother and baby.
Do
Dont
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Drugs Illegal drugs, like heroin, will cause
damage to the fetus. Even common medicines can be
harmful. Pregnant women should talk to a
doctor/midwife before taking any medicines.
Do
Dont
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Smoking Pregnant women should not smoke. People
who smoke carry less oxygen in their blood. A
fetus that does not receive enough oxygen does
not grow as well and may be be born early
(premature).
Do
Dont
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Alcohol Pregnant women should not drink alcohol.
Alcohol in the mothers blood will pass across
the placenta. Alcohol can cause damage to the
brain of the fetus.
Do
Dont