The gut begins forming at 3 to 4 weeks. The hectic plate is identified, along with the Midgut, pharyngeal arches 1 and 2, then the pharyngeal cleft and pouch. The submandibular gland with ducts is present at 7 to 8 weeks, and at my hind end my anal canal is patent at 8 1/2 weeks. My intestine absorbs water and sugar at 10 to 11 weeks, and villi are noted in the small intestine to assist with absorption. Bile production in the liver begins at 11 or 12 weeks. This bile helps with digestion and absorption of fats. Bowel movements are seen at 12 weeks with meconium oozing from the rectum into the amniotic fluid. At 6 to 7 months the intestinal lining contains all the adult cell types. Toward the end of my time in the womb, I’m drinking 15 ounces of amniotic fluid per day. Mum, how about an extra candy bar to sweeten the fluid, and boost my sugar load?!
The oral cavity is separated from the nasal cavity by the palate. The esophagus developed from the foregut. The posterior portion of the stomach grows more rapidly, causing the greater curvature, and the stomach rotates, establishing its final orientation. The liver early in development acts as part of the cardiovascular system. It serves as a connection between the developing placental vessels and my heart. The liver also is home to blood stem cells, before the bone marrow forms, and begins work. At the junction of the foregut and midgut the pancreas develops, but early in my life, the enzyme secretory capacity of the pancreas functions poorly, and improves as I continue to grow.
The small intestine and large intestine develop from the midgut and hindgut. The neural crest cells migrated into the wall of the intestines, which assists with movement and contractions of the bowel, in addition to secretion of juices by the intestine. This is called the enteric nervous system. The small bowel grows rapidly during my last three months in the womb, reaching half the length it will be when I am an adult. The intestine doesn’t start working until after birth, and part of my immune system, along with bacterial growth, occurs in the wall of the large intestine.
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in the world today, despite the fact that iron is the second most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. Our bodies hoard the element, and absorption of iron is the only mechanism by which we regulate iron levels. I encourage my mum to eat extra iron-rich foods, to counter the losses she experiences by the sloughing of her skin and the mucosal lining of her gut each day. My mum is a super taster, so she does not consume green, leafy vegetables, like spinach, which is a rich source of iron. Lucky for me, though, she likes red meat, except for liver! My mother’s need for iron increases during pregnancy, because of my rapid growth in the womb. Absorption of iron is enhanced during pregnancy and while menstruating, when iron is lost as the endometrium is sloughed. The acid in the stomach stabilizes the iron molecule, makes it more soluble, assisting the small intestine in the absorption of this mineral.
I encourage everyone, especially mums expecting little ones, to eat the proper diet, maintain good nutrition, and be mindful that certain chemicals and foods can influence how our bodies function. Antacids lower the stomach acidity, reducing iron uptake, but citrus and vitamin C enhance its uptake. Lead and chemicals in wheat and tea can compete with iron uptake, and lead to iron deficiency. Iron absorption mechanisms are immature at birth, and take several weeks to function normally. This immaturity is enhanced in my ‘cousins’ who are born prematurely. Water, minerals, and nutrients, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates are absorbed primarily in the small intestine. Iron absorption occurs in the duodenum, while that of Vitamin B12 and bile salts takes place in the terminal ileum, the cecum. B12 is bound by Intrinsic Factor, which is made in the stomach. Disease along the gut, certain drugs and surgical procedures can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of many nutrients.
Care for your gut, please. Don’t forget those Colon Cancer Screenings! That’s so everything comes out alright in the END!! Ha Ha!! Read more: http://www.ehd.org/see-baby.php,
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html. Also visit: www.ehd.org.
Love,
Rose M. Bryo
Guts or Courage