The Way in which Natural Conception Occurs and Patterns of Pre-Natal Growth

Natural conception is initiated through sexual reproduction, where human males produce sperm and females produce eggs or ova.
During sexual intercourse, sperm is released into the female’s body, where it moves towards the egg in the fallopian tube. This process is known as fertilisation.
If a sperm successfully penetrates the egg, conception occurs and a zygote is formed.
The zygote begins to divide and multiply rapidly, becoming a mass of cells known as a blastocyst.
This blastocyst moves down the fallopian tube and implants itself into the uterine lining, where it continues to develop into an embryo.
Every individual inherits a unique combination of genes from their biological parents, half from the mother’s egg and half from the father’s sperm. These genes determine the individual’s physical and some behavioural traits.
Prenatal growth occurs in three stages: the germinal stage, embryonic stage and foetal stage.
The germinal stage occurs in the first two weeks after conception. Here, cell division and implantation occur.
The embryonic stage spans from the second week to the eighth week post-conception. During this period, organ formation takes place, and this part is critical for the development of the embryo.
The third is the foetal stage, which spans from eight weeks until birth. At this stage, differentiation of organs and tissues occurs, and the foetus grows and develops until it is capable of surviving outside the uterus.
Genetic and environmental factors can influence prenatal growth. For instance, nutrition, maternal health, age and lifestyle habits can impact the health and development of the foetus.
Pre-natal testing techniques such as ultrasound, blood tests and amniocentesis can provide information about the genetic health and development of the foetus.
Some genetic disorders or abnormalities can be detected during prenatal growth phases. These may be due to errors in cell division, or resulting from genetic mutations.