Prenatal Development Stages

Here's what happens during the three prenatal development stages

While you might think of child development as something that begins during infancy, the prenatal
period is also considered an important part of the developmental process. The prenatal development
stages are a time of remarkable change that helps set the stage for future psychological
development. The brain develops over the course of the prenatal period, but it will continue to go
through more changes during the early years of childhood.

There are three stages of prenatal development: the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages.
The first two weeks after conception are known as the germinal stage, the third through the eighth
week is known as the embryonic period, and the time from the ninth week until birth is known as the
fetal period.

At a Glance
The three prenatal development stages involve the processes that occur from conception to birth. The
first stage, known as the germinal stage, involves the formation of the zygote and early cell
division. The second stage, called the embryonic stage, involves the early growth of the embryo,
including the formation of the neural tube, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord.
The fetal period is the longest stage of prenatal development, and is when the organs, tissues, and
body grow. Keep reading to learn more about the events that take place during each of these stages
of prenatal development.

Germinal Stage of Prenatal Development

The germinal stage begins at conception when the sperm and egg cell unite in one of the two
fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg is called a zygote. Just a few hours after conception, the single-
celled zygote begins making a journey down the fallopian tube to the uterus.

Important Events:
Formation of the zygote
Rapid cell division
Formation of the blastocyst
Journey from the fallopian tube to the uterus
Implantation

Cell Division
Cell division begins approximately 24 to 36 hours after conception. Through the process of mitosis,
the zygote first divides into two cells, then into four, eight, sixteen, and so on.

A significant number of zygotes never progress past this early part of cell division, with as many as
half of all zygotes surviving less than two weeks.

Cell Differentiation
Once the eight-cell point has been reached, the cells begin to differentiate and take on certain
characteristics that will determine the type of cells they will eventually become. As the cells multiply,
they will also separate into two distinctive masses: the outer cells will eventually become the
placenta, while the inner cells form the embryo.
Blastocyst Development
Cell division continues at a rapid rate during the approximately week-long journey from fallopian tube
to uterus wall. The cells develop into what is known as a blastocyst. The blastocyst is made up of
three layers, each of which develops into different structures in the body.

Ectoderm: Skin and nervous system

Endoderm: Digestive and respiratory systems
Mesoderm: Muscle and skeletal systems
Implantation

Finally, the blastocyst arrives at the uterus and attaches to the uterine wall, a process known as
implantation. Implantation occurs when the cells nestle into the uterine lining and rupture tiny blood
vessels. The connective web of blood vessels and membranes that form between them will provide
nourishment for the developing being for the next nine months.

However, it is important to recognize that implantation is not always an automatic and sure-fire
process.

Researchers estimate that approximately 60% of all natural conceptions never become properly
implanted in the uterus, which results in the new life ending before the mother is ever aware she is
pregnant.

When implantation is successful, hormonal changes halt the normal menstrual cycle and cause a
whole host of physical changes.

Embryonic Stage of Prenatal Development

At this point, the mass of cells is now known as an embryo. The beginning of the third week after
conception marks the start of the embryonic period, a time when the mass of cells becomes distinct
as a human embryo.

Important Events:
Neural tube development
Development of basic body structures
Neurons form
Formation of the Neural Tube

The embryonic stage plays an important role in the development of the brain. Approximately four
weeks after conception, the neural tube forms. This tube will later develop into the central nervous
system, including the spinal cord and brain.

The neural tube begins to form along with an area known as the neural plate. The earliest signs of
neural tube development are the emergence of two ridges that form along each side of the neural
plate.

Over the next few days, more ridges form and fold inward until a hollow tube is formed. Once this
tube is fully formed, cells begin to form near the center. The tube begins to close, and brain vesicles
form. These vesicles will eventually develop into parts of the brain, including the structures of the
forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

Other Basic Structures Start to Form

Around the fourth week, the head begins to form, quickly followed by the eyes, nose, ears, and
mouth. The blood vessel that will become the heart starts to pulse. During the fifth week, buds that
will form the arms and legs appear.

By the eighth week of development, the embryo has all of the basic organs and parts except those of
the sex organs. At this point, the embryo weighs just one gram and is about one inch long.

By the end of the embryonic period, the basic structures of the brain and central nervous system
have been established. At this point, the basic structure of the peripheral nervous system is also
defined.

The production of neurons, or brain cells, begins around day 42 after conception and is mostly
complete sometime around the middle of pregnancy.

As neurons form, they migrate to different areas of the brain. Once they have reached the correct
location, they begin to form connections with other neural cells, establishing rudimentary neural
networks.

Fetal Stage of Prenatal Development

Once cell differentiation is mostly complete, the embryo enters the next stage and becomes known as
a fetus. The fetal period of prenatal develop marks more important changes in the brain. This period
of development begins during the ninth week and lasts until birth. This stage is marked by amazing
change and growth.

Important Events:
Nervous systems forms and basic reflexes emerge
Sex differentiation occurs
Increase in size and development of organs and tissues
Nervous System Develoment

The early body systems and structures established in the embryonic stage continue to develop. The
neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord, and neurons continue to form. Once these
neurons have formed, they begin to migrate to their correct locations. Synapses, or the connections
between neurons, also begin to develop.

Between the ninth and twelfth week of gestation (at the earliest), reflexes begin to emerge. The fetus
begins to make reflexive motions with its arms and legs.

Differentiation of Sex Organs

During the third month of gestation, the sex organs begin to differentiate. By the end of the month,
all parts of the body will be formed. At this point, the fetus weighs around three ounces. The fetus
continues to grow in both weight and length, although the majority of the physical growth occurs in
the later stages of pregnancy.
The end of the third month also marks the end of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Second and Third Trimester Growth

During the second trimester, or months four through six, the heartbeat grows stronger, and other
body systems become further developed. Fingernails, hair, eyelashes, and toenails form. Perhaps
most noticeably, the fetus increases about six times in size.

So, what's going on inside the brain during this important period of prenatal development? The brain
and central nervous system also become more responsive during the second trimester. Around 28
weeks, the brain starts to mature faster, with an activity that greatly resembles that of a sleeping
newborn.

During the period from seven months until birth, the fetus continues to develop, put on weight, and
prepare for life outside the womb. The lungs begin to expand and contract, preparing the muscles for
breathing.

While development usually follows this normal pattern, there are times when problems with prenatal
development occur. Disease, malnutrition, and other prenatal influences can have a powerful impact
on how the brain develops during this critical period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most critical weeks of fetal development?
The first 13 weeks of pregnancy are considered the most critical in prenatal development. It is during
this period that the embryo forms organs. It is also the period when most miscarriages occur.

What are the stages of embryonic development in order?

The main stages of the embryonic period encompass gastrulation (the ectoderm, mesoderm, and
endoderm form), neurulation (formation of neural tissue), organogenesis (development of the
organs).

What are the major milestones in fetal development?

Important fetal milestones at each of the prenatal development stages include:

Germinal stage: The division of cells and implantation of the blastocyst.

Embryonic stage: The development of the neural tube and organs.
Fetal stage: Continued growth of organs and physical development in preparation for birth.

Summary:
Prenatal Period
The prenatal period refers to the time between conception and birth, divided into three main stages:
the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages. This is a crucial period for the development of the baby, as
major physical, cognitive, and neurological changes take place.

1. Germinal Stage (0-2 weeks)

Fertilization: The union of the sperm and egg forms a zygote.
Cell Division: The zygote undergoes rapid cell division, forming a blastocyst.
Implantation: The blastocyst travels to the uterus and attaches itself to the uterine wall.
Formation of Placenta: The placenta starts forming, which will provide nutrients and oxygen to the
developing embryo.
2. Embryonic Stage (3-8 weeks)
Organogenesis: Major organs and systems begin to develop (e.g., heart, brain, spinal cord).
Neural Tube Development: The neural tube, which will become the brain and spinal cord, begins to
form.
Formation of Limbs and Features: The embryo develops recognizable facial features, limb buds, and a
beating heart.
Vulnerability to Teratogens: This stage is critical as exposure to harmful substances (teratogens) can
lead to congenital abnormalities.
3. Fetal Stage (9 weeks - birth)
Growth and Maturation: The fetus grows significantly in size and weight.
Development of Organs: Organs continue to mature and become functional.
Movement: The fetus begins to move, and reflexes start to develop.
Viability: By around 24 weeks, the fetus has a chance of survival outside the womb with medical
intervention.
Sensory Development: The fetus develops the ability to respond to sounds and light during the later
stages.