Fetal Development

Much like an ultrasound image can show the parents a picture of their unborn child, fetal models can show the size and image of a fetus at different stages of a child’s development as it grows in the mother’s womb. Many people who see these fetal models are amazed at the definition and development that happens in utero at such an early stage. 

Some of our parishes have Spiritual Adoption Programs where they pray for an unborn child throughout the school year during religious education classes.  During this time, they talk about the developmental stage of the unborn baby and display posters of the developing fetus. Children may even choose a name for the baby for whom they are praying.  In addition, some will have a birthday party on the expected due date of the child or children.  The fetal models give them a visual image to help them see and follow the development of the unborn child.  There will be both a First Trimester set (7 to 10 weeks), and a set which includes fetal development from 10 weeks to 26 weeks at each location. 

The First Trimester set comes in a case with information in both English and Spanish for each developmental stage represented by the 4 fetal models, ranging in development from 7 to 10 weeks.  Many people do not realize that during the 1st trimester there are many similarities to a newborn baby.  At 7 weeks you can see facial features such as the mouth and eyelids of the unborn baby developing, and as early as 9 weeks, the fingernails and fingerprints of the unborn child begin to show. At 10 weeks the unborn child is sensitive to touch, can squint and swallow, and is about 2.5 inches long.

The larger set (with 4 fetal models from 12 weeks to 26 weeks) comes in a metal carrying case with an informational card in both English and Spanish on the developmental stages of each model.  It is interesting to note that at 12 weeks the baby’s eyes have coloring and the baby can smile. By 16 weeks, the baby is doing somersaults and developing sleeping habits, and by 26 weeks the baby can hear and settle into his or her favorite positions. 

Having the fetal models in the classrooms or at certain gatherings at church will allow people the opportunity to see how early an unborn child develops characteristics much like those of a newborn child. Educating people on the development of an unborn child will give them the opportunity to understand the dignity and humanity of the child during the stages of fetal development.
These models are for our parishes and schools to use at no cost.  We ask that you care for them according to the enclosed instructions to preserve them for future use. 
 

Form to Reserve Models

Fetal Development is a wonderful way to promote a Culture of Life, by showing the growth of the baby from Conception to Birth.


Another way is by starting a "Spritual Adoption" program in your parish.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM!

Another: Spiritual Adoption Program

Other ideas: Begin on the Annunciation (March 25) with a "She said Yes!" Baby Shower, and end with the Nativity of our Lord (Dec 25). 
or Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12) 


To purchase the posters: CLICK HERE