The foetus is the stage of human development between an embryo (at around 8 weeks) up to when the baby is born.

The umbilical cord joins the placenta to the foetus. It carries the nutrients and oxygen needed from the mother.

Waves of muscle contractions in the uterus wall during childbirth push the baby down through the vagina.

The placenta is an organ that is attached to the uterus wall; it provides the foetus with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood.

The amniotic sac surrounds the foetus and contains fluid which protects it.

Gestation and birth in humans

Science

Pupils will learn about flower structure, wind and insect pollination, fertilisation, seed and fruit formation and dispersal.

Pupils learned about heredity as the process of organisms passing on genetic material to their offspring during reproduction, and about DNA, genes and chromosomes.

Reproduction in humans

Depiction or discussion of nudity (including in historic content).

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

On average, how long is the human gestation period?

Put the stages of human development into the correct order, from fertilisation to birth.

True or false? The amniotic sac contains amniotic fluid.

The placenta transfers blood between the mother and foetus.

The placenta provides oxygen for the foetus.

The placenta removes carbon dioxide from the foetus.

The placenta provides blood for the foetus.

The placenta provides nutrients for the foetus.

Which statements about the role of the placenta are incorrect?

Which of the following does the amniotic sac and fluid provide to the growing foetus?

Hormones are released to start the process.

Muscles in the wall of the uterus contract.

The cervix dilates (opens) until it is around 10 cm wide.

The baby is forced down through the vagina.

Put the stages of human birth into the correct order.

Humans reproduce via which type of reproduction?

What is the male sex cell (gamete) in humans called? 

A zygote contains genetic information from both parents.

A zygote contains all the genetic information needed to make offspring.

A zygote contains half the number of chromosomes needed to make offspring.

Which of the statements about a zygote is incorrect?

In human reproduction, fertilisation takes place in one of the two {{}} which are part of the female reproductive system.

True or false? On average, human females release one egg per menstrual cycle. 

How many chromosomes does a human zygote have?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of nudity

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Gestation and birth in humans

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.