Question

Give details about the gestation period in humans.

Answer 1

The gestation period is the time during which the embryo and then the foetus develop in the uterus, from the beginning of pregnancy until birth. In humans, it lasts about 280 days, or 40 weeks, when counted from the first day of the last menstrual period. This is approximately 266 days from fertilisation, since fertilisation usually occurs about two weeks after that date.

During gestation, the embryo implants in the uterine lining and receives oxygen and nutrients through the placenta and umbilical cord. Its organs and body systems develop and mature progressively. By the final weeks, the lungs and other organs are generally sufficiently mature for life outside the uterus. At the end of gestation, labour and uterine contractions lead to parturition, or childbirth.