What are stages of fetal growth?

Fetal growth occurs in three main stages: the germinal stage, embryonic stage, and fetal stage. The germinal stage lasts from conception to about two weeks, where the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus. The embryonic stage, from two to eight weeks, involves the development of essential organs and structures. Finally, the fetal stage, from nine weeks until birth, is characterized by rapid growth and maturation of the organs, preparing the fetus for life outside the womb.