stages of prenatal development

Germinal stage

week 0-2

Embryonic stage

week 3-8

Foetal

week 9-38

germinal stage key information

fertilisation occurs, zygote moves from Fallopian tubes to the uterus, placenta begins to form, blastocyst implant in the endometrium

Embryonic stage key information

implantation is complete, organs begin to develop, developing baby is known as an embryo, brain is active, heart behind to beat, formation of limbs begin

foetal stage key information

developing baby is known as a foetus, all organs fully formed (not functioning), the sex of the foetus can be distinguished, rapid growth (week 11 7 cm in length - 50 cm in length in week 38), lungs develop, fat forms to prepare itself for the outside world

things that are formed in the foetus stage (not including organs)

teeth, eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, finger nails, ears are functioning, taste buds on tongue develop