Fetus
Hear this word Fetus
Image description: A pregnant person with a fetus in utero.
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What Is It?
Fetus is the word used to describe a growing pregnancy after 8 weeks.
A pregnant person with a fetus in utero at the end of the first trimester.
A pregnant person with a fetus in utero nearing the end of the second trimester.
A pregnant person with a fetus in utero during the third trimester.
An Example
The fetus in Yora’s uterus will go through many changes between week 8 of the pregnancy and when it is born around week 40.
A fetus growing during pregnancy
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- 90% of abortions happen before 12 weeks of pregnancy, also known as the first trimester. There are three trimesters during a pregnancy.
- If a person chooses parenting or adoption, the health of the fetus and the health of the pregnant person will require regular checkups with a health care provider, such as an obstetrician or a midwife.
- Some people worry that because of the fetus they are not able to have sex or engage in sexual activities. The fetus is in the uterus, separated from other parts of the body including the vagina and anus. If a pregnant person wants to do sexual activities that feel comfortable to them, they can do most activities without affecting the fetus.
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What did you learn about the word fetus?
To learn more about pregnancy, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.