5 stages of fetal lung development

The development of fetal lungs is an exciting journey. When first conceived, your baby is in the shape of a ball. Your baby's lungs begin to develop by the 4th week of pregnancy. Cells will split into many different layers, of which 1 layer will form organs. Lungs develop from this dividing cell layer and gradually develop in accordance with their function.

Babies born prematurely often have incomplete lungs. This is the reason that premature babies are more susceptible to breathing problems. Knowing this, if you are at risk of preterm birth, ask your doctor about a lung support injection to the fetus to prevent respiratory failure of the baby. So how do baby's lungs form during fetal development ? In fact, the fetal lung is formed through the following 5 stages:

1. The embryo stage

This stage usually begins when you are 4 - 5 weeks pregnant. During the embryonic stage, 2 tiny buds arise, one side will form the left lung, while the other will be the right lung. The larynx and trachea also began to develop.

2. Stage route

The glandular phase begins at the 17th week of pregnancy. Branched lung buds initially develop into smaller units. Each bud will develop into an independent respiratory organ consisting of the bronchi and blood capillaries to meet the need for oxygen.

3. Differentiation phase

The differentiation phase begins at 25 weeks of pregnancy. During this stage, a barrier develops between the air and the blood, allowing oxygen to enter the respiratory capillaries and CO2 out of this capillary in the lungs. During this stage, different tissues develop in the fetal lungs.

4. Cystic stage

This phase begins at 36 weeks of pregnancy. Surfactant (surfactant) begins to be produced during this period. The surfactant, like soap, reduces the surface tension of the alveolar layer, counteracts the elastic force of the lung, so the lung is less prone to collapse. This is important because it helps the amniotic fluid in the lungs escape and fills the lungs with air. Premature babies are more susceptible to respiratory problems and common health conditions like atelectasis if they are born before the substance is fully formed.

5. Alveolar stage

This is the last stage in the fetal lung formation, lasting until the baby is born. During this period, additional surfactant is produced. Bronchi, air sacs have growth. The air-carrying tissues also began to expand and function more efficiently.