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GESTATION PERIOD

What is Gestation Period? The period between conception and birth is called gestation. In humans gestation takes nine months (40 weeks). The embryo differentiates into tissues and organs during this period.

Week 1 to 3:

  1. Zygote divides to form blastocyst.
  2. Implantation takes place.
  3. The three germ layers form endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm.
  4. Nervous system starts to form.

Week 4 to 7:

  1. Development of circulating and digestive systems.
  2. Further development of nervous system, formation of sensory organs,
  3. All major internal organs are developed.
  4. At week 5, heartbeat starts.

Week 8 to 24:

  1. All organs well developed including sex organs.
  2. Hair, finger and toe nails grow.
  3. Foetus move and eyelids open.

Week 25- 30:

  1. The fully developed foetus responds to touch and noises and moves vigorously.
  2. The head turns and faces downwards ready for birth.

Week 31-40:

  1. Foetus increases in size.
  2. Birth occurs.

Evaluation

  1. What is the difference between pregnancy and gestation?
  2. Is the human gestation period 9 or 10 months?
  3. How is gestation calculated?
  4. Why do doctors add 2 weeks to pregnancy?
  5. What do you mean by gestation?
  6. What is start of gestation?

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