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This article is about prenatal development in humans. For other species, see prenatal
development (non-human).
"Unborn child" redirects here; for other uses, see unborn child (disambiguation).

This article  








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c
 or 




 is the process in which an embryo or fetus (or foetus)
gestates during pregnancy, from fertilization until birth. Often, the terms 




,





, or
    are used in a similar sense.

After fertilization the embryogenesis starts. In humans, when embryogenesis finishes, by the end
of the 10th week of gestational age, the precursors of all the major organs of the body have been
created. Therefore, the following period, the fetal period, is described both topically on one hand,
i.e. by organ, and strictly chronologically on the other, by a list of major occurrences by weeks of
gestational age.

 

[hide]

2p 1 Definitions of periods
2p ¦ Fertilization
 2p ] Embryonic period
mp ].1 Changes by weeks of gestation
p ].1.1 Gestational age vs. embryonic age
p ].1.¦ Week 1-¦
p ].1.] Week ]
p ].1.4 Week 4
p ].1.5 Week 5
p ].1.6 Week 6
p ].1.7 Week 7
p ].1.8 Week 8
p ].1.9 Week 9
2p 4 Fetal period
mp 4.1 Changes by organ
mp 4.¦ Changes by weeks of gestation
p 4.¦.1 Weeks 10-1¦
p 4.¦.¦ Weeks 1] to 16
p 4.¦.] Week 19
p 4.¦.4 Week ¦]
p 4.¦.5 Week ¦7
p 4.¦.6 Week ]1
p 4.¦.7 Week ]5
p 4.¦.8 Weeks ]6 to ]9
2p 5 See also
2p 6 References
2p 7 External links

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Stages during pregnancy. Embryogenesis is marked in green. Weeks and months are numbered
by gestation.

2p The



  (from Greek „eri, "about, around" and Latin nasci "to be born") is
"around the time of birth", specifically from ¦¦ completed weeks (154 days) of gestation
(the time when birth weight is normally 500 g) to 7 completed days after birth.[1]

2p The 

 

  (from Latin ante "before" and „arere "to give birth") is literally
equivalent to

 (from Latin „re- "before" and nasci "to be born"). Practically,
 however, ante„artum usually refers to the period between the ¦4th/¦6th week of
gestational age until birth, for example in antepartum hemorrhage[¦][]].

Œ

 
ain article: Human fertilization

A sperm fertilizing an ovum

When semen is deposited in the vagina, the spermatozoa travel through the cervix and body of
the uterus and into the Fallopian tubes. Fertilization of the ovum (egg cell) usually takes place in
the Fallopian tube. any sperm must cooperate to penetrate the thick protective shell-like barrier
that surrounds the ovum. The first sperm that penetrates fully into the egg donates its genetic
material (DNA). The egg then polarizes, repelling any additional sperm. The resulting
combination is called a zygote. The term "conception" refers variably to either fertilization or to
formation of the conceptus after uterine implantation, and this terminology is controversial.

Prior to fertilization, each ovum contains a complete human genome, including a single X but no
Y chromosome. Likewise, each spermatozoon contains a complete set of autosomes and a single
sex chromosome, either X or Y. The resulting zygote is similar to the majority of somatic cells
because it contains two copies of the genome in a diploid set of chromosomes. One set of
chromosomes came from the nucleus of the ovum and the second set from the nucleus of the
sperm. If the spermatozoon contributes a Y chromosome then the zygote will develop as a male.
Unlike the X chromosome, the Y chromosome contains very little genetic information. However
it does contain a gene, SRY, which will switch on androgen production at a later stage, leading to
the development of a male body type. In contrast, the mitochondrial genetic information of the
zygote comes entirely from the mother via the ovum.

Œ
  

 
ain article: Human embryogenesis

The embryonic period in humans begins at fertilization (1¦-¦4hrs after ovulation, generally
between the ¦nd and ]rd week of gestational age) and continues until the end of the 10th week of
gestation (8th week by embryonic age).
The zygote spends the next few days traveling down the Fallopian tube. eanwhile it divides
several times to form a ball of cells called a morula. Further cellular division is accompanied by
the formation of a small cavity between the cells. This stage is called a blastocyst. Up to this
point there is no growth in the overall size of the embryo, so each division produces successively
smaller cells.

The blastocyst reaches the uterus at roughly the fifth day after fertilization. It is here that lysis of
the zona pellucida, a glycoprotein shell, occurs. This is required so that the trophectoderm cells,
which give rise to extra-embryonic structures such as the placenta, of the blastocyst can come
into contact with the luminal epithelial cells of the endometrium. (Contrast this with zona
hatching, an event that occurs in vitro by a different mechanism, but with a similar result). It then
adheres to the uterine lining and becomes embedded in the endometrial cell layer. This process is
also called implantation. In most successful pregnancies, the conceptus implants 8 to 10 days
after ovulation (Wilcox et al. 1999). The inner cell mass forms the embryo, while the outer cell
layers form the membranes and placenta. Together, the embryo and its membranes are referred to
as a conceptus, or the "products of conception".

Rapid growth occurs and the embryo's main external features begin to take form. This process is
called differentiation, which produces the varied cell types (such as blood cells, kidney cells, and
nerve cells). A spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, in the first trimester of pregnancy is usually
due to major genetic mistakes or abnormalities in the developing embryo. During this critical
period (most of the first trimester), the developing embryo is also susceptible to toxic exposures,
such as:

2p Alcohol, certain drugs, and other toxins that cause birth defects, such as Fetal alcohol
syndrome
2p Infection (such as rubella or cytomegalovirus)
2p Radiation from x-rays or radiation therapy
2p Nutritional deficiencies such as lack of folate which contributes to spina bifida

Generally, if a structure pre-dates another structure in evolutionary terms, then it often appears
earlier than the other in an embryo; this general observation is sometimes summarized by the
phrase "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny."[4] For example, the backbone is a common structure
among all vertebrates such as fish, reptiles and mammals, and the backbone also appears as one
of the earliest structures laid out in all vertebrate embryos. The cerebrum in humans, which is the
most sophisticated part of the brain, develops last. The concept of recapitulation is not absolute,
but it is recognized as being partly applicable to development of the human embryo.[4]

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See also: Embryo and Human embryogenesis

Œ

 

  


6estational age is the time that has passed since the onset of the last menstruation, which
generally or as standard occurs ¦ weeks before the actual fertilization. Embryonic age, in contrast
measures the actual age of the embryo or fetus from the time of fertilization. Nevertheless,
menstruation has historically been the only means of estimating embryonal/fetal age, and is still
the presumed measure if not else specified. However, the actual duration between last
menstruation and fertilization may in fact differ from the standard ¦ weeks by several days.

Thus, the first week of embryonic age is already week three counting with gestational age.

Furthermore, the number of the week is one more than the actual age of the embryo/fetus. For
example, the embryo is 0 whole weeks old during the 1st week after fertilization.

The following table summarizes the various expression systems during week number x of
gestation.

 !




(whole weeks)

  x x-1
   x-¦ x-]

Œ


"#$

Gestational age: 0 to 1 (whole) weeks old. 1±14 days from last menstruation.

Embryonic age: -¦ to -1 weeks old. That is, week 1-¦ of gestational age are merely theoretical
extrapolations of embryonic age, since the fertilization hasn't actually occurred yet.

Œ


%

Gestational age: ¦ (whole) weeks old. 15±¦1 days from last menstruation.

Embryonic age: Week nr 1. 0 (whole) weeks old. 1±7 days from fertilization.

2p Fertilization of the ovum to form a zygote. (day 1 of fert.[5])

2p The zygote undergoes mitotic cellular divisions, but does not increase in size. This
mitosis is also known as cleavage. A hollow cavity forms marking the blastocyst stage.
(day 1.5-] of fert.[5])
2p The blastocyst contains only a thin rim of trophoblast cells and a clump of cells at one
end known as the "embryonic pole" which include embryonic stem cells.
2p The embryo hatches from its protein shell (zona pellucida) and performs implantation
onto the endometrial lining of the mother's uterus. (day 5-6 of fert.[5])
[6]
2p If separation into identical twins occurs, 1/] of the time it will happen before day 5.

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&

Gestational age: ] weeks old. ¦¦±¦8 days from last menstruation.

Embryonic age: Week nr ¦. 1 week old. 8±14 days from fertilization.

2p Trophoblast cells surrounding the embryonic cells proliferate and invade deeper into the
uterine lining. They will eventually form the placenta and embryonic membranes. The
blastocyst is fully implanted day 7-1¦ of fert.[5]
2p Formation of the yolk sac.
2p The embryonic cells flatten into a disk, two cells thick.
2p If separation into identical twins occurs, ¦/] of the time it will happen between days 5
and 9. If it happens after day 9, there is a significant risk of the twins being conjoined.
2p Primitive streak develops. (day 1] of fert.[5])
2p Primary stem villi appear. (day 1] of fert.[5])

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'

Gestational age: 4 weeks old. ¦9±]5 days from last menstruation.

Embryonic age: Week nr ]. ¦ weeks old. 15±¦1 days from fertilization.

2p A notochord forms in the center of the embryonic disk. (day 16 of fert.[5])

2p Gastrulation commences. (day 16of fert.[5])
2p A neural groove (future spinal cord) forms over the notochord with a brain bulge at one
end. Neuromeres appear. (day 18 of fert.[5])
[5]
2p Somites, the divisions of the future vertebra, form. (day ¦0 of fert. )
2p Primitive heart tube is forming. Vasculature begins to develop in embryonic disc. (day ¦0
of fert.[5])

Embryo at 4 weeks after fertilization. The crown-rump length is about 0.¦ inches.[7]
A 10mm embryo from an ectopic pregnancy, still in the oviduct. This embryo is about five
weeks old (or from the seventh week of menstrual age).

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(

Gestational age: 5 weeks old. ]6-4¦ days from last menstruation.

Embryonic age: Week nr 4. ] weeks old. ¦¦-¦8 days from fertilization.

2p The embryo measures 4 mm (1/8 inch) in length and begins to curve into a C shape.
2p The heart bulges, further develops, and begins to beat in a regular rhythm. Septum
primum appear. [5]
2p mranchial arches, grooves which will form structures of the face and neck, form.
2p The neural tube closes.
2p The ears begin to form as otic pits.
2p Arm buds and a tail are visible.
2p Pulmonary primordium, the first traits of the lung appear. [5]
2p Hepatic plate, the first traits of the liver appear. [5]
2p muccopharyngeal membrane ruptures. This is the future mouth. [5]
2p Cystic diverticulum, which will become the gallbladder, and dorsal pancreatic bud, which
will become the pancreas appear. [5]
2p Urorectal septum begins to form. Thus, the rectal and urinary passageways become
separated. [5]
2p Anterior and posterior horns differentiate in the spinal cord [5]
2p Spleen appears. [5]
2p Ureteric buds appear. [5]
This embryo is also from an ectopic pregnancy, this one in the cornu (the part of the uterus to
which the Fallopian tube is attached). The features are consistent with a developmental age of
seven weeks (reckoned as the ninth week of pregnancy).

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)

Gestational age: 6 weeks old. 4]±49 days from last menstruation.

Embryonic age: Week nr 5. 4 weeks old. ¦9±]5 days from fertilization.

2p The embryo measures 8 mm (1/4 inch) in length.

2p Lens pits and optic cups form the start of the developing eye.
2p Nasal pits form.
2p The brain divides into 5 vesicles, including the early telencephalon.
2p Leg buds form and hands form as flat paddles on the arms.
2p Rudimentary blood moves through primitive vessels connecting to the yolk sac and
chorionic membranes.

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*

Gestational age: 7 weeks old. 50±56 days from last menstruation.

Embryonic age: Week nr 6. 5 weeks old. ]6±4¦ days from fertilization.

2p The embryo measures 1] mm (1/¦ inch) in length.

2p Lungs begin to form.
2p The brain continues to develop.
2p Arms and legs have lengthened with foot and hand areas distinguishable.
2p The hands and feet have digits, but may still be webbed.
2p The gonadal ridge begins to be perceptible.
2p The lymphatic system begins to develop.

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+

A six week embryonic age or eight week gestational age intact Embyo
Gestational age: 8 weeks old. 57±6] days from last menstruation.

Embryonic age: Week nr 7. 6 weeks old. 4]±49 days from fertilization.

2p The embryo measures 18 mm (]/4 inch) in length.

2p Fetal heart tone (the sound of the heart beat)can be heard using doppler.
2p Nipples and hair follicles begin to form.
2p Location of the elbows and toes are visible.
2p Spontaneous limb movements may be detected by ultrasound.
2p All essential organs have at least begun formation.

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The fetal period begins at the end of the 10th week of gestation (8th week of development).
Since the precursors of all the major organs are created by this time, the fetal period is described
both by organ and by a list of changes by weeks of gestational age.

mecause the precursors of the organs are formed, fetus also is not as sensitive to damage from
environmental exposures as the embryo. Instead, toxic exposures often cause physiological
abnormalities or minor congenital malformation.

Œ

 

Each organ has its own development.

2p Development of circulatory system

mp Heart development
2p Development of digestive system
mp Tooth development
2p Development of endocrine system
2p Development of integumentary system
2p Development of lymphatic system
2p Development of muscular system
2p Development of nervous system
2p Development of the urinary and reproductive system
mp Development of the reproductive system
p Development of the gonads
2p Development of respiratory system

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From the 8th week until birth (around ]8 weeks), the developing organism is called a fetus. The
fetus is not as sensitive to damage from environmental exposures as the embryo, and toxic
exposures often cause physiological abnormalities or minor congenital malformation. All major
structures are already formed in the fetus, but they continue to grow and develop.
Fetus at 8 weeks after fertilization.[8]

Œ


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Gestational age: 9±11 weeks old.

Embryonic age: Weeks nr 8-10. 7±9 weeks old.

2p Embryo measures ]0 mm-8 cm (1.¦-].¦ inches) in length.

2p Intestines rotate.
2p Facial features continue to develop.
2p The eyelids are more developed.
2p The external features of the ear begin to take their final shape.
2p The head comprises nearly half of the fetus' size.
2p The face is well formed
2p The eyelids close and will not reopen until about the ¦8th week.
2p Tooth buds, which will form the baby teeth, appear.
2p The limbs are long and thin.
2p The fetus can make a fist with its fingers.
2p Genitals appear well differentiated.
2p Red blood cells are produced in the liver.

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"% "(

Gestational age: 1¦±15 weeks old.

Embryonic age: Weeks nr 11-14. 10±1] weeks old.

2p The fetus reaches a length of about 15 cm (6 inches).

2p A fine hair called lanugo develops on the head.
2p Fetal skin is almost transparent.
2p ore muscle tissue and bones have developed, and the bones become harder.
2p The fetus makes active movements.
2p Sucking motions are made with the mouth.
2p econium is made in the intestinal tract.
2p The liver and pancreas produce fluid secretions.
2p From week 1], sex prediction by obstetric ultrasonography is almost 100% accurate.[9]
Fetus at 18 weeks after fertilization.[10]

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"+

Gestational age: 18 weeks old.

Embryonic age: Week nr 17. 16 weeks old.

2p The fetus reaches a length of ¦0 cm (8 inches).

2p Lanugo covers the entire body.
2p Eyebrows and eyelashes appear.
2p Nails appear on fingers and toes.
2p The fetus is more active with increased muscle development.
2p "Quickening" usually occurs (the mother and others can feel the fetus moving).
2p The fetal heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope.

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$%

Gestational age: ¦¦ weeks old.

Embryonic age: Week nr ¦1. ¦0 weeks old.

2p The fetus reaches a length of ¦8 cm (11.¦ inches).

2p The fetus weighs about 7¦5 g (1 lb 10 oz).
2p Eyebrows and eyelashes are well formed.
2p All of the eye components are developed.
2p The fetus has a hand and startle reflex.
2p Footprints and fingerprints continue forming.
2p Alveoli (air sacs) are forming in lungs.

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Gestational age: ¦6 weeks old.

Embryonic age: Week nr ¦5. ¦4 weeks old.

2p The fetus reaches a length of ]8 cm (15 inches).

2p The fetus weighs about 1.¦ kg (¦ lb 11 oz).
2p The brain develops rapidly.
 2p The nervous system develops enough to control some body functions.
2p The eyelids open and close.
2p The cochleae are now developed, though the myelin sheaths in neural portion of the
auditory system will continue to develop until 18 months after birth.
2p The respiratory system, while immature, has developed to the point where gas exchange
is possible.

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%"

Gestational age: ]0 weeks old.

Embryonic age: Week nr ¦9. ¦8 weeks old.

2p The fetus reaches a length of about ]8±4] cm (15-17 inches).

2p The fetus weighs about ¦ kg (] lb 0 oz).
2p The amount of body fat rapidly increases.
2p Rhythmic breathing movements occur, but lungs are not fully mature.
2p Thalamic brain connections, which mediate sensory input, form.
2p mones are fully developed, but are still soft and pliable.
2p The fetus begins storing iron, calcium, and phosphorus.

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%'

Gestational age: ]4 weeks old.

Embryonic age: Week nr ]]. ]¦ weeks old.

2p The fetus reaches a length of about 40±48 cm (16-19 inches).

2p The fetus weighs about ¦.5 to ] kg (5 lb 1¦ oz to 6 lb 1¦ oz).
2p Lanugo begins to disappear.
2p mody fat increases.
2p Fingernails reach the end of the fingertips.
2p A baby born at ]6 weeks has a high chance of survival, but may require medical
interventions.

Fetus at ]8 weeks after fertilization.[11]

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%( %+

Gestational age: ]5±]8 weeks old.

Embryonic age: Weeks nr ]4-]7. ]]±]6 weeks old.

2p The fetus is considered full-term at the end of the ]7th week of gestational age.
2p It may be 48 to 5] cm (19 to ¦1 inches) in length.
2p The lanugo is gone except on the upper arms and shoulders.
2p Fingernails extend beyond fingertips.
2p Small breast buds are present on both sexes.
2p Head hair is now coarse and thickest.

The development is continued postnatally with child development stages