fetal
relating to an unborn fetus
Describing something that is about a baby before it is born, while it is still growing inside the mother.
fetal [body part/condition/development]
- The doctor checked the fetal heartbeat during the ultrasound.
- Researchers are studying how air pollution affects fetal development.
- She was warned that drinking alcohol could cause fetal abnormalities.
- The new law restricts the use of fetal tissue in medical research.
- Continuous fetal monitoring was used during her high‑risk labor.
- The nurse listened to the fetal heartbeat.
- Smoking can harm fetal growth.
- She went to the hospital for a fetal checkup.
- The test showed normal fetal development.
- They watched the fetal movement on the screen.
fetal alcohol syndrome
1disorder from alcohol before birth
A serious health problem in a child that happens when the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy, which can cause slow growth, brain damage, and learning or behavior problems.
- Doctors warned her about the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome if she continued drinking.
- Children with fetal alcohol syndrome often need special education support.
- Public health campaigns highlight fetal alcohol syndrome to discourage drinking during pregnancy.
fetal development
1growth process of a fetus
The way a baby grows and changes inside the mother before it is born.
- Good nutrition is important for healthy fetal development.
- The book includes detailed diagrams of fetal development week by week.
- Certain infections can interfere with normal fetal development.
fetal heartbeat
1heart sound of an unborn baby
The sound or speed of the heart of a baby that is still inside the mother.
- Hearing the fetal heartbeat made the pregnancy feel real to them.
- The nurse could not detect a fetal heartbeat and called the doctor.
- An ultrasound is often used to check the fetal heartbeat.
fetal monitoring
1watching an unborn baby’s condition
Regular checking of an unborn baby’s heartbeat and health, especially during labor.
- Continuous fetal monitoring was used because the pregnancy was high‑risk.
- The hospital offers wireless fetal monitoring so mothers can move more freely.
- Abnormal results on fetal monitoring can lead doctors to recommend a C‑section.
fetal position
1curled-up lying body position
A way of lying on your side with your knees close to your chest and your back curved, similar to how a baby lies before birth.
- He lay in the fetal position on the bed, shaking with fear.
- The child curled into a fetal position under the blanket.
- She slept in a tight fetal position all night.
fetal tissue
1tissue from a human fetus
Cells or body material from a fetus that are used in medical tests or research.
- The use of fetal tissue in research is a subject of ethical debate.
- Scientists studied fetal tissue samples to better understand the disease.
- New regulations limit how fetal tissue can be collected and stored.