Source: bing.comAs soon as a woman comes to know about her pregnancy, the excitement of becoming a mother starts building up within her. However, the journey of becoming a mother starts much before the baby is born. It starts from the moment of conception, where the fertilization of an egg by a sperm takes place.
A developing baby is termed an embryo from the moment of conception till the eighth week of pregnancy. During this time, the embryo goes through a series of changes and developments that are essential for the growth of the baby. Let’s take a closer look at the stages of development that an embryo goes through during this period.
Table of Contents
Stage 1: Fertilization
The journey of an embryo starts with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm. This process takes place in the fallopian tube, where the sperm travels up to meet the egg. Once the sperm reaches the egg, it penetrates the outer layer of the egg and fuses with the nucleus, forming a single cell called a zygote. This zygote contains all the genetic information required to form a baby.
Stage 2: Cleavage
After fertilization, the zygote starts to divide rapidly into multiple cells. This process is known as cleavage. The cells divide and form a ball of cells called a morula. The morula then travels down the fallopian tube and enters the uterus, where it starts to implant itself into the lining of the uterus.
Stage 3: Gastrulation
After implantation, the cells of the morula start to differentiate into three layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This process is called gastrulation. The ectoderm will eventually form the skin, hair, and nervous system. The mesoderm will form the muscles, bones, and circulatory system. The endoderm will form the digestive and respiratory systems. This is a critical stage of development as it lays the foundation for the formation of organs and systems.
Stage 4: Neurulation
During this stage, the neural tube, which will eventually form the brain and spinal cord, starts to form. This is a crucial stage of development as any defects in the neural tube can lead to serious conditions like spina bifida.
Stage 5: Organogenesis
During organogenesis, the organs and systems start to form. This is the stage where the baby’s heart starts beating, and the limbs start to form. The baby’s sex organs also start to develop during this stage.
Stage 6: Fetal Period
After eight weeks, the embryo is now called a fetus. The fetus continues to grow and develop during this period. The baby’s organs and systems become more complex, and the baby starts to move and kick. The baby’s sex can also be determined during this period.
In conclusion, the development of a baby from an embryo is an incredible journey that takes place over several weeks. Every stage of development is crucial, and any abnormalities or defects during these stages can lead to severe health conditions. It is essential to take care of oneself during pregnancy to ensure a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an embryo?
An embryo is a developing baby from the moment of conception till the eighth week of pregnancy.
What are the stages of development that an embryo goes through?
The stages of development that an embryo goes through are fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, neurulation, organogenesis, and fetal period.
Why is it essential to take care of oneself during pregnancy?
It is essential to take care of oneself during pregnancy to ensure a healthy baby and a safe delivery. Any abnormalities or defects during the stages of development can lead to severe health conditions.
What happens during gastrulation?
During gastrulation, the cells of the morula start to differentiate into three layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The ectoderm will eventually form the skin, hair, and nervous system. The mesoderm will form the muscles, bones, and circulatory system. The endoderm will form the digestive and respiratory systems.
What is the fetal period?
After eight weeks, the embryo is now called a fetus. The fetus continues to grow and develop during this period. The baby’s organs and systems become more complex, and the baby starts to move and kick. The baby’s sex can also be determined during this period.