foetale

Foetale refers to anything related to the fetus, the developing offspring during pregnancy. The term derives from the Latin fœtus; in English the more common adjectives are fetal (US) and foetal (UK). The form foetale is sometimes used in medical literature drawn from Romance-language usage or as a stylistic variant, but it is less common in contemporary English.

In humans, development is divided into the embryonic period (conception to about week 8) and the fetal period (week 9 to birth). The foetal period is characterized by growth and maturation of tissues and organs established earlier. By mid-gestation, organ systems are present and the fetus continues to mature, with significant development of the brain, nervous system, and sensory organs. The placenta and umbilical cord supply oxygen and nutrients, and fetal circulation features shunts such as the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus that bypass nonfunctional fetal lungs.

Foetal medicine is a branch of obstetrics focused on fetal growth and development, diagnosis, and treatment. Noninvasive prenatal testing and fetal ultrasound are central tools, including anatomy scans around 18–22 weeks to assess structure and growth. When conditions are detected, management may involve continued monitoring, planning of delivery, or, in select cases, prenatal interventions such as fetoscopic or other fetal procedures.

Common foetal concerns include fetal growth restriction, congenital anomalies detected prenatally, and fetal distress during labor. External factors, such as exposure to teratogens, can affect fetal development and outcomes, underscoring the importance of prenatal care and monitoring.