What is foetus?

A foetus is the developing baby inside the mother's womb after the first two months of pregnancy. During human pregnancy, the baby develops inside the uterus (womb). In the first 8 weeks, it is called an embryo. After that, from the 9th week until birth, the growing baby is called a foetus.

The foetus has all the main body parts developed like head, arms, legs, and organs such as the heart and brain. These organs continue to grow and become more mature. The foetus also gets food and oxygen through the placenta, which is attached to the wall of the uterus. The placenta connects to the baby through the umbilical cord.

By the 12th week, the foetus can make movements. By the 20th week, the mother may start feeling the baby move. The development of the foetus continues till around 38–40 weeks when the baby is ready to be born.

So, in simple terms, a foetus is the stage of the baby growing inside the womb after 8 weeks. It has all the parts of a human and keeps growing until it is ready for birth.