What it means
The name for the developing baby in the uterus once the main organs have formed, about 8 weeks after conception, until it is born. Before that it is called an embryo. The fetus gets oxygen and food from the placentapluh-SEN-tuhThe organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy and passes oxygen and food from the parent's blood to the fetus.Full entry through the umbilical cord.
For the nurse
The fetal heart rate is checked at each prenatal visit after about 10 to 12 weeks (by Doppler) and during labor. Report a rate outside the normal range or a pattern change during labor.
At a glance
| Normal range | Fetal heart rate 110–160 beats per minute |
|---|---|
| Spanish | feto |
| Also written | fetuses, fetus's, foetus |
Related terms
uterus
The hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvis where a fetus grows during pregnancy; the womb.
placenta
The organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy and passes oxygen and food from the parent's blood to the fetus.
prenatal
Before birth; during pregnancy.
trimester
One of the three periods, each about three months long, that a pregnancy is divided into.
gestation
The time a baby develops in the uterus, from conception to birth; pregnancy.