The Stages of Fertilization, Embryo, and Childbirth

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AC 2.3 THE STAGES OF A DEVELOPING EMBRYO
An embryo is an unborn baby in the process of development, this development process lasts 8 weeks and is called the embryonic stage. An embryo turns into a foetus after the eighth week of development. Below is a table showing the weekly development of the embryo.

AC 2.4 THE ROLE OF THE PLACENTA
THE PLACENTA
The Placenta is an organ which is attached to the uterine lining during pregnancy. The placenta begins its development from implantation of the blastocyst into the mother’s uterine lining. It connects to the foetus via the umbilical cord and resembles a piece of liver with its reddish brown hue and meat-looking exterior. It is usually delivered after the birth of the baby through the combination of the release of hormones and contractions. The contractions help separate the placenta from the uterus wall. The placenta is about 9 inches long at delivery and weighs 1/6th of the baby’s weight. In multiple births the babies share the placenta but have individual umbilical cords.
THE ROLE OF THE PLACENTA
1. The Placenta provides the baby with adequate nutrition, glucose, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. The placenta also allows the diffusion of these substances.
2. The placenta produces hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, which have the ability to prevent premature contractions before the baby’s birth and prepare the uterus for labour, the placenta also produces a hormone called placental lactogen, which enables the mother to have more glucose in her circulation to supply her baby.
3. The placenta serves as a protective barrier, ensuring disease causing microorganisms, cannot cross to the baby.
4. The Placenta serves as an effective filter by keeping maternal blood separate...

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