The Stages of Pre-natal Development

Pre-natal development is divided into tree (3) periods germinal,

embryonic and fetal
 Germinal Period (First 2 weeks after conception) – This
includes the a) creation of the zygote, b) continued cell
division and c) the attachment of the zygote to the uterine
wall.
In the germinal period, the differentiation of cells already
begins as inner and outer layers of the organism are
found. The blastocyst, the inner layer of cells that
develops during the germinal period, develops later into
the embryo. The trophoblast, the outer layer of cells that
develops also during the germinal period, later provides
nutrition and support for the embryo ( Nelson, Textbook of
Pediatrics, 17th ed., 2004).

 Embryonic Period (2-8 weeks after conception) – in this

stage, the name of the mass cells, zygote, become embryo.
The following developments take place:
a) Cell differentiation intensifies
b) Life-support systems for the embryo develop and
c) Organs appear

 Placenta, umbilical cord, and amnion are the life-

support systems developed during this stage, and
 all of these are developed from the fertilized egg,
and not from the mother’s body.
Fetal period (2 months to 7 months after conception) – Growth
and development continue dramatically during this period