Australian Capital Territory Numbered Regulations

MATERNAL HEALTH INFORMATION REGULATIONS AMENDMENT (1999 NO 23) - SCHEDULE

    SCHEDULE     (See paragraph 4 (b))

    MATERIAL TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PAMPHLET

Foetal development

This information has been approved under the Maternal Health
Information Regulations 1999.

Development begins on the day of fertilisation, which is usually two
weeks after the start of the last menstrual period (LMP). The
conventional method of measuring the age of a foetus is the number of
weeks since the start of the last menstrual period. The sizes and weights
of the embryo/foetus are approximate only and can vary.

4 weeks

At the first missed period the embryo is about the size of an apple seed
(0.25 cm).

8 weeks

Picture of Embryo at
8 weeks

At the second missed period the embryo is
about 1.2 cm long. The heart has been beating
for more than two weeks and limbs are
beginning to develop.

Picture of Embryo at
9 weeks

10 weeks
The foetus is now about 3 cm long and weighs
about 15 grams. Arms, legs, fingers and toes
are developing.

12 weeks

The foetus is about 6 cm from head to rump and weighs about 30 grams.
The heartbeat can be detected electronically. All major body organs
have begun to develop. The foetus begins small movements that cannot
yet be felt by the mother.

14 weeks

Picture of Embryo at
14 weeks

The foetus is about 8-9 cm from head to rump
and weighs about 45 grams. The foetus is able
to swallow and the kidneys are able to make
urine.

16 weeks

The foetus is about 12 cm, the legs are
developed and the weight is about 100 grams.

18 weeks

The foetus is about 14 cm long and is able to respond to sound.

Endnotes

Regulations amended

1     SL 1999 No 15 (not republished).

Notification

2     Notified in the Gazette on 6 October 1999.

© Australian Capital Territory 2003