Prenatal Development

Fertilization

The process of sperm and ovum uniting to form a single-celled zygote.

Zygote

A fertilized ovum that contains 46 chromosomes.

Prenatal Period

The stage of development from conception to birth.

Germinal Stage

The first stage of prenatal development occurring from fertilization to 2 weeks.

Embryonic Stage

The stage of prenatal development from 3 to 8 weeks when the organism is called an embryo.

Fetal Stage

The final stage of prenatal development from 9 weeks to birth.

Teratogen

A disease, drug, or environmental agent that can harm a developing fetus.

Organogenesis

The process of organ formation that occurs during the embryonic stage.

Amniotic Sac

A thin-walled sac that surrounds the fetus and contains amniotic fluid.

Placenta

A temporary organ that connects the fetus to the uterus, providing nutrients and oxygen.

Umbilical Cord

A cord that connects the fetus to the placenta, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that spikes during ovulation and is involved in the female menstrual cycle.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and indicates peak fertility.

Folic Acid

A vitamin vital for the growth of the baby’s brain, spine, and skull, reducing the risk of neural tube defects.

Gestational Diabetes

A temporary form of diabetes that occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Nuchal Translucency Test

An ultrasound test done in the first trimester to measure the thickness in the back of the baby's neck.

Quadruple Serum Screen Test

A second-trimester blood test that measures four substances to detect potential birth defects.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD)

A condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure causing various physical and developmental issues.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

A blood test that screens for certain genetic conditions in a fetus early in pregnancy.

Embryo

The developing organism from 3 to 8 weeks after fertilization.

Neural Tube Defect (NTD)

A birth defect resulting from the incomplete closure of the neural tube during early fetal development.