Fetus

Definition

A fetus is an unborn human developing in the uterus from 8 weeks post-conception (10 weeks gestational age) until birth. Prior to 8 weeks, the developing human is called an embryo.

Developmental Milestones

• 12 weeks: Sex determination possible, heartbeat on Doppler
• 16 to 20 weeks: Quickening (maternal perception of movement)
• 24 weeks: Age of viability (with NICU support)
• 28 weeks: Eyes open, lungs producing surfactant
• 37 weeks: Full-term threshold
• 40 weeks: Expected due date

Nursing Considerations

Assess fetal well-being: fetal heart rate (110 to 160 bpm), kick counts (10 movements in 2 hours), biophysical profile, non-stress test. Educate mothers about avoiding teratogens (alcohol, smoking, certain medications, cat litter, raw foods). Administer RhoGAM to Rh-negative mothers. Monitor prenatal weight gain and nutrition (folic acid).

NCLEX Relevance

Kick counts, teratogen avoidance, and RhoGAM timing are high-yield.