At what gestational age do fetuses begin to respond to touch stimuli?

Fetuses begin to respond to touch stimuli around 8 weeks of gestation. At this stage, the development of the nervous system has progressed sufficiently, and the sensory receptors in the skin are starting to form. The responses to touch are crucial for the development of the fetus as they help support neural connections and sensory processing.

During this period, the fetus demonstrates reflexive movements in response to mechanical stimuli, indicating that the nerves are functioning and connecting to the brain. This tactile response is an early indication of sensory development, which will further support the fetus's ability to interact with the environment after birth.

Understanding this aspect of fetal development is important in early childhood special education, as it highlights the significance of sensory experiences in the earliest stages of life.