Pregnancy and Embryogenesis

Introduction
Pregnancy is a profound biological process that marks the beginning of a new life. It
involves the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, leading to the formation of a zygote,
which then undergoes a series of developmental stages to become a fetus. This process,
known as embryogenesis, is critical for understanding human development, health, and
reproductive biology. This document provides an in-depth exploration of pregnancy, the
stages of embryogenesis, and related issues such as foeticide, abortion, and the
importance of nutrition during pregnancy.

Pregnancy
Definition and Overview
Pregnancy is the period during which a fetus develops inside a woman's uterus, typically
lasting about 40 weeks from the last menstrual period (LMP) to birth. It is divided into
three trimesters, each with unique developmental milestones and maternal changes.

Stages of Pregnancy
 First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): Characterized by the formation of the embryo
and the beginning of major organ development.
 Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26): Marked by rapid growth, the development of
sensory organs, and increased fetal movements.
 Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40): Final maturation of organs and systems,
substantial weight gain, and preparation for birth.

Stages in Embryogenesis

Embryo Development
Embryo development refers to the different stages in the development of an embryo. Embryonic
development of plants and animals vary. Even in animals, every species undergoes different
stages during embryonic development.

Let us learn about human embryonic development and various stages.

After fertilization, the zygote is formed. The zygote divides mitotically to form 2, 4, 8, 16 celled
stages. These cells are known as blastomeres.

Morula- Embryo having 8 to 16 blastomeres.

The morula continues dividing mitotically and gets transformed to blastocyst. The outer layer of
the blastocyst is called trophoblast and it gets attached to the uterine wall known as the
endometrium. The implantation starts in the first week but gets completed by 2nd week.

The inner cell mass of blastocyst forms embryo. Blastocyst differentiates further to embryonic
and extraembryonic tissues. The implantation completes at the 2nd week.

The interdigitated chronic villi of trophoblast and uterine cells form the placenta, which is the
connection between the mother and the growing foetus.
The placenta provides nourishment and oxygen to the embryo and helps in removing carbon
dioxide and waste produced by the embryo. It also acts as an endocrine gland and secretes
various hormones like hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), estrogen, progestogens, etc. for
maintenance of pregnancy.

Gastrulation starts in the 3rd week, the inner cell or embryo starts differentiating into three
germinal layers, i.e. ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. These cells transform and get
differentiated to all the tissues and organs, like nerve, blood, muscle, bone, digestive tract, etc.

Ectoderm- nervous system, brain, spinal cord, epidermis, hair, nails, etc.

Mesoderm- connective tissue, muscles, circulatory system, notochord, bone, kidney, gonads

Endoderm- internal organs, stomach, liver, pancreas, bladder, lung, gut lining

Weeks after Embryonic Development

Fertilization

Week Three Gastrulation and formation of three germinal layers. Neurulation follows gastrulation.
Notochord is formed

Week Four The heart is the first organ to start functioning. The heart starts beating. Arm buds and optic
pits become visible

Week Five Size ~ 4 mm. Starts becoming C-shape, inner ear starts developing, pharyngeal arches
develop, liver, pancreas, spleen and gall bladder start developing

Week Six Size ~ 8 mm. Development of eyes and nose, leg buds and hand as flat paddles appear,
stomach and kidney precursors start developing

Week Seven Size ~ 13 mm. Lungs and lymphatic system and primary sex organs start developing, arms
and legs lengthen and digits start appearing
 Week Eight Size ~ 20 mm. External ear starts appearing, nipples and hair follicles start developing, most
of the organs start developing by this time

To sum up, the heart is the first organ to start working. After the 1st month of pregnancy, the
heart develops.

Limbs and digits develop in the 2nd month.

By the end of 1st-trimester or 3rd month all the major organ systems develop. Genital organs are
visible.

During 5th month the embryo starts moving and hairs start appearing on the head.

By the end of 2nd trimester (24 weeks or 6 months), eyelashes are formed, eyelids separate and
the body gets covered with fine hair.

By the end of the 9th month, the foetus fully develops and is ready for birth.

Fertilization
Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell successfully merges with an egg cell, resulting in a
zygote. This typically happens in the fallopian tube.

Cleavage
The zygote undergoes rapid cell division without increasing in size, forming a
multicellular structure called a blastocyst.

Gastrulation
The blastocyst implants in the uterine wall, and the inner cell mass differentiates into
three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Organogenesis
These germ layers give rise to different organs and tissues:

 Ectoderm: Forms the nervous system and skin.

 Mesoderm: Develops into muscles, bones, and the circulatory system.
  Endoderm: Becomes the digestive tract, lungs, and other internal organs.

Types of Foeticide
Definition and Types
Foeticide refers to the act of aborting a fetus, often due to gender preference or other
socio-economic factors. The main types include:

 Sex-selective foeticide: Aborting a fetus based on its sex, commonly seen in

cultures with a preference for male children.
 Non-selective foeticide: Aborting a fetus without regard to its sex, often due to
health, economic, or personal reasons.

Data and Statistics

Global and Regional Data
 Global Data: According to the World Health Organization, there are
approximately 40-50 million abortions each year.
 India-Specific Data: India has a high incidence of sex-selective abortions due to
cultural preferences, with a significant gender imbalance as a result.

Prevention
Strategies to Prevent Foeticide
 Legislation: Enforcing laws against sex-selective abortion.
 Education: Raising awareness about gender equality.
 Healthcare Access: Providing better prenatal care and support.

Nutrition During Pregnancy

Importance of Nutrition
Proper nutrition is vital for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Key
nutrients include:

 Folic Acid: Prevents neural tube defects.

 Iron: Supports increased blood volume and prevents anemia.
 Calcium: Essential for the development of fetal bones and teeth.
Recommended Diet
 First Trimester: Emphasis on folic acid, iron, and vitamin D.
 Second Trimester: Increased protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
 Third Trimester: Continued intake of protein, calcium, and adequate hydration.
Abortion
Reasons for Abortion
Abortions can be due to medical, socio-economic, or personal reasons. These include
health risks to the mother, fetal anomalies, socio-economic challenges, and unintended
pregnancies.

Prevention of Unintended Pregnancies

 Contraception: Effective use of birth control methods.
 Education: Comprehensive sex education to prevent unintended pregnancies.
 Healthcare Services: Access to reproductive health services.
Abortion Data
 Global Statistics: The Guttmacher Institute reports that 56% of unintended
pregnancies end in abortion.
 India-Specific Data: India accounts for a significant number of abortions
annually, with socio-cultural factors playing a major role.
Abortion in India
 Cultural and Legal Factors: The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic
Techniques (PCPNDT) Act aims to prevent sex-selective abortions.
 Challenges: Despite legal measures, illegal abortions and gender-based
discrimination persist.

References
1. World Health Organization (WHO). "Abortion." WHO
2. Guttmacher Institute. "Abortion Worldwide 2019: Uneven Progress and Unequal
Access." Guttmacher
3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. "Pre-Conception and
Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act." MoHFW
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Nutrition During Pregnancy."
CDC
5. Mayo Clinic. "Pregnancy week by week." Mayo Clinic