PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT
FACT SHEET
(CONCEPTION-BIRTH)

PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE, LANGUAGE, AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CONCEPTION - 4WEEKS Physical: During this time the fetus begins to grow rapidly and it is the
“beginning development of the spinal cord, nervous system, gastro-
intestinal system, heart and lungs” (Santrock, 2007, pg. 108).

4-8 WEEKS Physical: The fetus’ arms and legs begin to move. (Santrock, 2007, pg.
108).

Cognitive: At 8 weeks the fetus’ brain begins to form. (Santrock, 2007,

pg. 108
9-12 WEEKS Physical: The fetus’ arms, legs, fingers, and toes are moving and the “sex
is distinguishable”. (Santrock, 2007, pg. 108).

Social-Emotional: At 12 weeks the fetus is able to smile and frown.

(Santrock, 2007, pg. 108)
13-16 WEEKS Physical: The fetus now has coordinated movements. (Santrock, 2007,
pg. 108).
16-24 WEEKS Physical: The fetus is approximately 11-14 in. long and weighs between
1-1/2 lbs. The fetus’ eyes are open, skin is wrinkled, and the fetus has a
strong grip. (Santrock, 2007, pg. 108).

Language: At 20 weeks the fetus begins to have hiccups which can be

felt from the outside. (Santrock, 2007, pg. 108).

25-32 WEEKS Physical: The fetus is approximately 12 ½-18 in. long and weighs
between 4-5 lbs. Santrock (2007, pg. 108) explains that the fetus’ bones
are soft and flexible, getting ready for birth.
32-38 WEEKS Physical: The fetus is approximately 19 in. long and weighs around 6 lbs.
Their skin is less wrinkled, they are covered in thick vernix, and they are
less active at this stage. (Santrock, 2007, pg. 108)

Language: At 35 weeks the fetus has functioning lungs, getting ready for
their first cry as they enter the world (Santrock, 2007, pg. 108).

Cognitive: At 32 weeks the fetus is able to respond to sounds and has

periods of “sleep and wakefulness”. (Santrock, 2007, pg. 108).

Social-Emotional: At 32 weeks the fetus is able to respond to sounds.

(Santrock, 2007, pg. 108)

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS

During pregnancy it is important for the mother to be surrounded by a supportive group of

friends and families, a mother’s emotional status will have an impact on the growing fetus.
ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT

During prenatal care a mother is able to have a genetics blood test which will test for various
disorders. One disorder in particular is Trisomy 13, MedlinePlus (2018) defines Trisomy 13
as “the presence of an extra chromosome”. This extra chromosome can cause heart defects,
physical defects, and severely impacts normal development.

AT HOME

It is important for mothers to practice healthy prenatal care, Santrock (2007, pg. 113) explains
that the fetus depends on the mother for nutrition. A mother can provide this nutrition by
taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish, and staying
active.