Fetal Nerve Development: A Timeline from Conception to 11 Weeks

Nerve endings start developing very early in embryonic life.

* During the third week of gestation, the neural tube begins to form.

* By the fifth week, the tube is closed and the brain and spinal cord are beginning to develop.

* By the end of the eighth week, basic structure of the central and peripheral nervous system are formed, and major sensory and motor nerves are beginning to form (1).

* By the 11th week of gestation, the fetus has well-developed sensory receptors in the skin that can respond to touch, pain, and temperature.

* By the 12th week, the first reflexes, involving the arms, neck and trunk develop (2).

The nerves continue to develop and mature throughout pregnancy and into the early years of life.