Prenatal
Prenatal refers to the period of time that occurs during pregnancy, from conception until birth. This period is crucial for the development of the fetus and includes various stages and processes that contribute to the growth and maturation of the unborn child.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The prenatal period is divided into three stages: the germinal stage, the embryonic stage, and the fetal stage. Each stage is characterized by specific developmental milestones and changes in the mother's body.
Stages of Prenatal Development[edit | edit source]
Germinal Stage[edit | edit source]
The germinal stage begins at conception when the sperm fertilizes the egg to form a single cell, known as a zygote. This stage lasts for about two weeks and involves rapid cell division and implantation of the zygote into the wall of the uterus.
Embryonic Stage[edit | edit source]
The embryonic stage starts from the third week and lasts until the eighth week of pregnancy. During this stage, the major organs and systems of the body begin to form. This includes the formation of the neural tube, which will eventually develop into the brain and spinal cord.
Fetal Stage[edit | edit source]
The fetal stage begins from the ninth week of pregnancy and continues until birth. This is the longest stage of prenatal development and is characterized by the maturation of the organs and systems that were formed during the embryonic stage. The fetus grows in size and weight and develops features such as hair, nails, and skin.
Prenatal Care[edit | edit source]
Prenatal care is essential for the health of both the mother and the fetus. It involves regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and to detect any potential problems early. Prenatal care also includes lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco.
Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]
There are several risks and complications that can occur during the prenatal period. These include miscarriage, preterm labor, and preeclampsia. Certain factors, such as the mother's age and health status, can increase the risk of these complications.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Prenatal Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
