During which months is fetal growth greatest?

Fetal growth is most significant during the third trimester of pregnancy, particularly between the sixth and seventh months. During this period, the fetus undergoes rapid growth and development, increasing in both size and weight. The sixth month marks a time when the fetus starts to accumulate fat, which is crucial for thermoregulation after birth. By the seventh month, many of the organ systems are maturing, and the fetus continues to gain weight and develop muscle tone.

This accelerated growth during the later stages of pregnancy is important for preparing the fetus for life outside the womb, as it ensures adequate size and the development of reserves necessary for survival. The earlier months primarily focus on organ formation and initial growth, but it is during the later months that substantial weight gain occurs, supporting the assertion that the greatest fetal growth happens in the sixth and seventh months.