The lungs are the last major organ to fully develop in a fetus. This typically occurs around 37 weeks of gestation. Their full maturation is crucial, as they produce a chemical that influences hormones in the body, preparing the baby for life outside the womb.
Fetal Lung Development: A Closer Look
Several sources confirm the lungs' late development. The American Lung Association highlights the variability in the rate of lung development, emphasizing that they are among the last organs to fully mature. https://www.lung.org/blog/how-young-lungs-develop Cleveland Clinic's article on fetal development similarly notes the continued growth and maturation of major organs and body systems throughout pregnancy, with the final stages preparing the fetus for birth. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth FamilyDoctor.org explicitly states that the lungs are the last major organ to finish developing. https://familydoctor.org/your-babys-development-the-third-trimester/
While other organs begin developing earlier in pregnancy, the lungs require a more extended period to reach functional maturity. This is because they need to develop complex structures like alveoli (tiny air sacs) to facilitate gas exchange effectively.
Implications of Late Lung Development
The late development of the lungs has significant implications for premature babies. Premature infants often face respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) because their lungs are not fully developed and lack sufficient surfactant, a substance that helps keep the alveoli open.
