38 Weeks of Pregnancy | Third Trimester | Fetal Stage

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At 38 weeks of pregnancy, the central nervous system continues developing. The fetus may have developed its initial long-term memory [1]. Some fetuses can store and retrieve information from four weeks earlier, though more research is needed [1].

The fetus is usually plump and has shed most of its lanugo (fine body hairs) [2]. The toenails have grown to the tips of the toes [2]. The fetus grows more muscular and has a firm grasp [2].

The fetus’s head and abdomen are nearly equal in circumference [2]. The volume of amniotic fluid peaks [3].

References:
1. Dirix CEH, Nijhuis JG, Jongsma HW, Hornstra G. Aspects of fetal learning and memory. Child Dev. 2009;80: 1251–1258.
2. Moore KL, Persaud TVN, Torchia MG. The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2016.
3. Sherer DM, Langer O. Oligohydramnios: use and misuse in clinical management. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2001;18: 411–419.

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Produced and written by: Samantha Lattof, PhD MSc
Medically reviewed by: Ayodeji Olelakan Abere, MD MBA MHA
Animation by: SciePro / Pond5
Music by: audiomarket / Pond5
Narration by: Ava / Wellsaid