I was just wondering because when we put animals to sleep we peacefully euthanasia them so that they “go to sleep” and don’t fill it. Yet, when we abort humans we just rip them in to peaces with no pain killers. So, I was wondering if anyone any could suggest some sites that talk about when the fetus feels.
2007-02-23 14:34:45 · 3 answers · asked by Miss C.J. 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Embryologically it would be by approximately 8 to 9 weeks , one the Thalmus in the brain is completely formed. By this age the neuro-anatomic structures are present. What is needed is (1) a sensory nerve to feel the pain and send a message to (2) the thalamus, a part of the base of the brain, and (3) motor nerves that send a message to that area. These are present at 8 weeks. The pain impulse goes to the thalamus. It sends a signal down the motor nerves to pull away from the hurt. Try sticking an infant with a pin and you know what happens. She opens her mouth to cry and also pulls away.
Try sticking an 8 week old human fetus in the palm of his hand. He opens his mouth and pulls his hand away.
A more technical description would add that changes in heart rate and fetal movement also suggest that intrauterine manipulations are painful to the fetus.
Hope this helps :-)
~Ej
2007-02-23 17:57:59 · answer #1 · answered by Ej G 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
An article came out in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) about 1.5 years ago. It suggested that babies can begin to feel pain around 6-8 weeks.
2007-02-24 16:05:28 · answer #2 · answered by rwill54287 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
About 1/3rd through the gestation period
2007-02-23 22:37:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋