When can the unborn child feel pain?
By 9 weeks from conception, all the
structures necessary for pain sensation
are functioning.
A 2005 study published in JAMA and widely
reported in the mainstream media claimed
that fetuses do not feel pain before the
third trimester. However, serious
questions have been raised about this
study, whose authors include a NARAL
activist and an abortionists. This
conflict of interest was not disclosed by
JAMA.
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What are some of the other milestones of
fetal development?
In addition to the unborn child's
heartbeat, brainwaves, fingerprints and
capacity to feel pain, other important
milestones include:
At 4 weeks from conception, a baby's eye,
ear, and respiratory systems begin to
form.
Thumbsucking has been documented at 7
weeks from conception.
At 8 weeks from conception, a baby's
heartbeat can be detected by ultrasonic
stethoscope.
By 9 weeks from conception, a baby is able
to bend her fingers around an object in
her hand.
By 11 to 12 weeks from conception, the
baby is breathing fluid steadily and
continues to do so until birth.
By 11 weeks from conception, a baby can
swallow.
Between 13 and 15 weeks from conception, a
baby's taste buds are present and
functioning.
At 20 weeks, and perhaps as early as 16
weeks from conception, a baby is capable
of hearing his mother's heartbeat and
external noises like music.
At 23 weeks from conception, babies have
been shown to demonstrate rapid eye
movements (REM), which are characteristic
of active dream states.
At six months from conception, a baby's
oil and sweat glands are functioning.
At seven months from conception, a baby
frequently "exercises" in preparation for
birth by stretching and kicking.
At eight months from conception, a baby's
skin begins to thicken, and swallows a
gallon of amniotic fluid each day and
often hiccups.
During the ninth month from conception, a
baby gains half a pound per week. Of the
45 generations of cell divisions before
adulthood, 41 have already taken place.
