Stages of Pre-natal Development

MPPan
3 Periods of Pre-natal Development

1. Germinal Period
2. Embryonic Period
3. Fetal Period
 1. Germinal Stage
The first two weeks after conception
The blastocyst moves down the fallopian tube into the
uterus for implantation.
The embryonic stage begins with implantation, and the
fully implanted blastocyst is referred to as the embryo.
The blastocyst is differentiated into three layers: the
ectoderm, the endoderm, and the mesoderm.
 The germinal stage spans the time from fertilization to
implantation in the wall of the uterus.
For the first three or four days the mass of dividing cells
moves about the uterus before implantation.
Blastocyst at day six
2. Embryonic Stage
The period of 2 to 8 weeks after conception.
1. Growth in the embryonic and fetal stages follows a
cephalocaudal (head-to-tail) pattern and a proximodistal
(near-to-far) pattern.
2. The head, blood vessels, heart, and most vital organs
begin to develop before the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Major organ systems begin to take shape, which is now

called the embryo.
Nervous system, head and blood vessels form at this time
as well
During the 4th week, the heart starts beating
Early Embryonic Stage
 Embryonic stage

3. The placenta forms as an area of the

uterine wall through which oxygen and
nutrients reach the fetus.
4. The umbilical cord connects the embryo to
the placenta and provides nutrients and
carries away waste products.
5. The amniotic sac surrounds the embryo
and protects it.
Later embryonic stage
 3. Fetal Stage
From the 9th week until birth.
The embryo is now called the fetus.
The fetal stage is marked by the development of the
first bone cells.
All major organs as well as fingers and toes develop
by the 12th week.
The fetus grows more than 30 fold in weight during
the 2nd trimester (1 oz. to 2 lbs.)
The fetus reached the age of viability, where it could
sustain life on its own outside of the womb.
Fetus at 12 weeks
Fetus at 18 weeks

https://www.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/week-19-pregnancy/you-are-
 6 Threats to Prenatal Development
1. Maternal malnutrition
Premature birth and low birth weight is
related to maternal malnutrition

2. Risk of Spina bifida (a neural tube defect)

This can be reduced if vitamins containing folic
acid are taken during pregnancy.
3. Teratogens
Can include;
 Certain drugs taken by the mother
 X-rays
 Environmental contaminants such as lead and mercury
 Infectious organisms
 Infectious diseases such as rubella, which can lead to serious
birth defects (heart disease, mental retardation, deafness)
 HIV/AIDS and syphilis can be passed from mother to child
during pregnancy.
 Syphilis can lead to liver damage, impaired hearing and vision
and deformities in teeth and bones.
4. Smoking
 Can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, low
birth weight and increased risk of infant
mortality.
 The more the mother smokes, the greater the
risk.
 Maternal smoking has also been linked to sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Smoking
 Maternal smoking can also lead to;
 Lung problems
 Childhood asthma
 Developmental problems
 Short attention span
 Learning problems
 Behavioral problems
5. Alcohol
 Maternal alcohol use can lead to fetal alcohol
syndrome (FAS).
 Alcohol is also the leading cause of mental
retardation (facial deformities, underdeveloped
upper jaw, widely spaced eyes).
 There is no established “safe” limit for alcohol use
during pregnancy
6. Drugs
 Any drug used during pregnancy, whether legal
or illicit, or any medication, whether prescribed
or bought over the counter can potentially harm
the fetus.

 Pregnant women should consult their doctors

before taking any medication!