Patient's question:
I have an itchy lower body, and my underwear is always yellow. What's going on? Could you please tell me how big the fetus is at 16 weeks of pregnancy and what it looks like?Doctor's answer:
The developmental characteristics of the fetus are as follows:At 4 weeks. By this time, the fertilized egg has entered the uterine wall and begun to develop.
At 8 weeks. The embryo has taken on a basic human shape, with the head accounting for half of the entire fetus. The eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and limbs can be distinguished, and it has begun to take form. Ultrasound can reveal the early formation of the heart and its beating.
At 12 weeks. The external genitalia have developed, and the sex can often be determined. Fingernails and toenails have grown, the intestines have begun to move, and the ability to absorb glucose has developed.
At 16 weeks. The sex of the fetus can be determined by the external genitalia. Hair has grown on the scalp, the skin is pink, smooth, and translucent, and the fetus has begun respiratory movements.
At 20 weeks. The entire body has fine hair. If the fetus is delivered at this stage, it will have a heartbeat, breathing, urination, and swallowing functions. The mother can feel fetal movements, and the fetal heartbeat can be heard during examination.
At 24 weeks. All organs have developed, and subcutaneous fat has begun to accumulate, but the skin still has wrinkles.
At 28 weeks. The fetus is about 35 cm long and weighs about 1000 grams. Subcutaneous fat accumulation is minimal, the skin is pink, and respiratory movements can occur, but the lungs are not mature. If born at this stage, the fetus can cry but has weak vitality.
At 32 weeks. The fetus is about 40 cm long and weighs about 1700 grams. The skin is deep red, facial fine hair has fallen out, and vitality is still good. With proper care after birth, the fetus may survive.
At 36 weeks. The fetus is about 45 cm long and weighs about 2500 grams. Subcutaneous fat is abundant, fingernails and toenails have reached the tips, and the fetus can cry and suck after birth. Vitality is good, and survival is likely at this stage.
At 40 weeks. The fetus is mature, about 50 cm long and weighing more than 3000 grams. Subcutaneous fat is full, the skin is pink, and fingernails and toenails extend beyond the tips. After birth, the cry is loud, sucking ability is strong, vitality is robust, and survival is excellent.