Jodi, who is four months pregnant, is delighted to feel what is undeniably a kick from within her abdomen. Discuss fetal movement such as that felt by Jodi and its importance in development.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. Fetal movement is very important for physical development.
2. From about 14 to 20 weeks, the fetus has plenty of room in the womb and engages in acrobatic movements.
3. Later in pregnancy, the fetus makes smaller movements, like smiling, frowning, pursing the lips, and sticking out the tongue.
4. In rats, a study showed that fetuses deprived of movement (by injecting a paralyzing agent) had abnormal bone growth, fused joints, and deficient lung development.
5. Movement and growth of physical structures seem to influence each other bidirectionally.