(2)
Skin is wrinkled, translucent, and appears pink.
(3)
Sex is obvious.
(4)
Looks like a miniature baby.
(5)
Skeleton is calcified.
(6)
Birth survival is possible, but the fetus is seriously at risk.
c. Third Trimester. At the end of the third trimester (7th, 8th, and 9th month),
the fetus:
(1)
Skin is whitish pink.
(2)
Hair in single strands.
(3)
Testes are in the scrotum, if a male child.
(4)
Bones of the skull are firmer, comes closer at the suture lines.
(5)
Lightening occurs.
(6)
Fetus is about 20 inches long and weighs about 3300 grams.
NOTE: Lightening is defined as the sensation of decreased abdominal distention
produced by the descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity. This usually
occurs two weeks before the onset of labor.
2-9.
DURATION OF PREGNANCY
a. The length of pregnancy varies greatly. Nevertheless, the normal duration of
pregnancy is about 9 1/2 to 10 months (lunar), 38 to 40 weeks.
b. It is usually not possible to determine the actual time of fertilization because
reliable records concerning sexual activities are seldom available. However, the
approximate time can be calculated.
c. The estimated date of confinement (EDC) is calculated as follows:
(1)
The first day of last menstrual period.
(2)
Count back 3 months.
(3)
Add seven days.
(4)
Add one year.
2-9
MD0921