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0-2 weeks
Starts with fertilisation and ends with implantations (when a cluster of cells attach to the endometrium)

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After fertilisation, when there are about 16 cells, the zygote takes on a spherical shape and is now known as a morula.

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The morula, which now has 64 cells, turns into a blastocyst. The inner mass of the blastocyst will become the embryo and the outer cell will become the placenta.

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Implantation (7-12 days after fertilisation)

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Implantation (7-12 days after fertilisation)

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When it reaches the uterus the blastocyst implants itself in the endometrium and becomes known as an ‘ embryo’.

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As soon as implantation begins the placenta starts to form.

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3-8 weeks
The most critical stage for human development.
This is the stage where specific cells start taking on their specialised roles. E.g.: Heart cells, skin cells, bone cells.

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Many of the internal and external organs and systems are formed during this stage, and the brain and spinal cord are almost complete by the end of it.

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Although sex is determined at fertilisation, the internal sex organs begin to form during the embryonic stage but will not be complete for another eight weeks.

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Proximodistal development occurs from the center or core of the body in an outward direction.
This is usually evident in 30 - 50 day old embryos.

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Cepholocaudal is head to foot development.
By the eighth week, the embryo becomes distinctly human looking, although the head and neck still account for half of the embryo’s total length and the brain makes up almost half of its body weight (cepholocaudal development)

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At the end of the Embryonic stage, the embryo is 2cm and the placenta is connected to be able to send nutrients and provide for the next stage.

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9-40 weeks
This is the longest of the prenatal periods and lasts from the beginning of week nine, until the end of pregnancy
This period is time for extensive growth and development.

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Muscle, organs and nerves begin to function 

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Muscle, organs and nerves begin to function 

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Although these were formed in the embryonic stage, they begin to start functioning

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The lungs of the foetus are filled with amniotic fluid, not air.

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Sex identified at ultrasound
Eyebrows and eyelashes start to form.
Eyelids fused over.
Buds are created for the limbs.
Tooth buds form.

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This is to prepare the baby for the outside environment

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Placental expulsion begins as a physiological separation from the wall of the uterus.

The period from just after the foetus is expelled until just after the placenta is expelled is called the third stage of labor. The placenta is usually expelled within 15–30 minutes of the baby being born.

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Summary diagram of Germinal, Embryonic and Foetal stages

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Summary diagram of Germinal, Embryonic and Foetal stages

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Babies are considered premature if they are born 3 weeks before their due date.

A baby born after 24 weeks may survive with intensive care.