Late fetal development in the third trimester (weeks 28â40) is mainly about rapid growth, organ maturation, and preparation for life outside the womb.
The brain undergoes rapid growth in size and complexity
Development of gyri and sulci (folds) increases surface area
Improved neural connections
Sleepâwake cycles become more regular
Eyes open and close; can respond to light
Hearing is well developed â responds to sounds and voices
Increased coordinated movements:
Kicking, stretching, grasping
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10072285/#:~:text=Conversely%2C the American College of,1%2C 2%2C 11).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33048913/
Utilization of analgesia and anesthesia during fetal surgery began in the early 1980s,
US anesthesiology and fetal therapy consensus statement in 2021 recommends administration of fetal anesthesia in all invasive maternal-fetal procedures.
Lungs mature significantly
Increased production of surfactant (reduces alveolar collapse)
By ~34â36 weeks, lungs are usually capable of supporting breathing
Practice breathing movements occur (though no air is inhaled)
Heart is fully formed and functioning
Circulation is adapted to fetal life (e.g., ductus arteriosus still open)
Prepares for transition at birth when fetal shunts close
Rapid weight gain (most of it occurs now)
Fat deposition under the skin:
Helps with temperature regulation after birth
Lanugo (fine hair) begins to disappear
Hair on the scalp becomes thicker
Swallowing amniotic fluid regularly
Meconium (first stool) accumulates in intestines
Liver stores glycogen for energy after birth
Transfer of maternal antibodies (IgG) increases:
Provides passive immunity after birth
Fetus often settles into a head-down (cephalic) position near term
Size by Term (around 40 weeks)
Continuation of the 24-week time limit and the 10-week limit on telemedicine,
agreed by Parliament in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic
Remove the threat of police investigation, arrest, or prison for women ending their own pregnancy
New law applies regardless of gestational age
MPs back decriminalisation of abortion
https://www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opinion/mps-back-decriminalisation-of-abortion?utm_source=chatgpt.com
(Regardless of gestational age)?
BMA welcomes move it describes as âlong overdueâ while maintaining issue is a healthcare matter (England Wales)
A vote in Parliament on 17 June (2025) saw lawmakers endorse the NC One (New Clause one) amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill,
which could see an end to the threat of criminal investigation and prosecution of women who choose to terminate their pregnancy.
MPs vote 379 to 137 in favour of the amendment
BMA medical ethics committee deputy chair
âThe passing of this amendment is a significant and long overdue step towards reforming antiquated abortion law in England and WalesâŠ.
âBeyond this bill we will continue to push for wider reform of abortion law â including campaigning for the removal of criminal sanctions for medical professionals involved in abortions as part of their clinical practiceâŠ.
The UK-wide decriminalisation of abortion has been BMA policy since 2017.
(46 minutes of backbench debate)
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/03/25/mps-urge-mahmood-block-decriminalising-late-abortions/
Lords move to decriminalise abortion up to birth
https://care.org.uk/news/2026/03/lords-move-to-decriminalise-abortion-up-to-birth
Baroness Monckton tabled an amendment to the Bill in the Lords to remove the âradical proposalâ which she said was passed in the Commons âwithout any evidence, scrutiny, public consultation or impact assessmentâ.
She argued that decriminalisation actually puts women in danger âby removing the current legal deterrent against administering an abortion away from a clinical setting right up to birthâ.
Peers rejected the amendment, however, in a vote of 185 to 148.
MPs urge Mahmood to block decriminalising of late abortions
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/03/25/mps-urge-mahmood-block-decriminalising-late-abortions/
Home and health Secretaries
âhit pauseâ on the plans
Signatories to the letter, 7 Labour MPs (404)
Baroness Hollins, the former head of the British Medical Association.
Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, have warned that the proposals lack âmeaningful limits and safeguardsâ
