A pregnancy is divided into three main stages - conception, the embryonic stage and development of the baby referred to as the fetal stage. The fetal development stages are based on different processes taking place within the body and development of the unborn baby.
Conception takes place at the time of ovulation. Ovulation is the phase during which the ovary releases a mature egg. This happens in the midst of two consecutive menstrual periods which is normally two weeks...
...after the last menstrual period. Conception takes place when sperm fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tube. The zygote or fertilized ovum travels into the uterus where it implants itself in the uterine wall. It will be attached here for the rest of the pregnancy term. Genetic deformities, if any, set in right at the time of conception itself with the parents passing on an imbalanced number of chromosomes to the zygote.
On successful implantation, the zygote is referred to as an embryo. The embryonic stage starts from implantation and continues to the end of the second month of gestation. This is the formative stage and all the organs and body structure falls into place during this time. The baby's heart starts beating and brain activity is also detected around the 6th week of gestation. Most pregnancy losses or miscarriages take place during this phase due to genetic deformities in the embryo. More on fetal development week by week.
Following the embryonic stage, the fetal stage begins. With its onset, the risk of pregnancy loss diminishes considerably. At this point, the tiny fetus is approximately 30mm in length and weighs around 8 grams. The fetus resembles a miniature baby with its body structure in place. However, the head is much larger in proportion and balances out over the next few months of fetal development. Brain and organ activity is in its initial stages and will develop with time. The first movements within the uterus are generally felt in the 21st week of gestation. Gradually, the fetal movements become more prominent. The baby is covered by a protective coat called vernix. This prevents skin damage caused due to incessant immersion in amniotic fluid. It also assists in smooth passage through the birth canal at the time of delivery. Protective hair called lanugo also develops on the skin. This hair is very fine and most of it is shed in the last month of gestation. By the end of the 37th week, the baby is completely ready to face the world. Most babies leave the confines of the mother's womb between the 38th and 40th week of gestation.
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