Question:hard
The swallowing and breathing reflex is NOT seen in the fetus until which gestational age?
The swallowing and breathing reflex is NOT seen in the fetus until which gestational age?
Show Hint
Breathing and swallowing motions begin by 13 to 14 weeks, so they are absent at 12 weeks.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- 14 weeks
- 12 weeks
- 16 weeks
- Appears in all the above periods
Show Solution
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Build the timeline. Intrauterine behaviour starts with muscle contractions near 8 weeks and lateral flexion shortly after. Swallowing and breathing-type motions emerge around the 13 to 14 week mark.
Step 2: Test each age. At 12 weeks the fetus has not yet reached the 13 to 14 week window, so swallowing and breathing motions are still absent. At 14 and 16 weeks they are already established.
Step 3: Conclude. The single age at which the reflex is not yet seen is therefore 12 weeks.
\[\boxed{\text{12 weeks}}\]
Step 2: Test each age. At 12 weeks the fetus has not yet reached the 13 to 14 week window, so swallowing and breathing motions are still absent. At 14 and 16 weeks they are already established.
Step 3: Conclude. The single age at which the reflex is not yet seen is therefore 12 weeks.
\[\boxed{\text{12 weeks}}\]
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