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Zygote and Foetus

Many people believe that a zygote is in the early stages of pregnancy, while a foetus is in the later stages. It's not true. Let's explore the difference here.

There are many myths and misconceptions about pregnancy and childbirth. One of the most common is the difference between a zygote and a foetus. Many people believe that a zygote is in the early stages of pregnancy, while a foetus is in the later stages. This is not true. In this blog post, we will outline the differences between these two terms, so you can have a better understanding of what is happening during your pregnancy.

What is Zygote?

A zygote is a fertilised egg cell that develops into an embryo. The zygote contains all the genetic information (DNA) needed to develop into a baby. When the sperm and egg cells fuse, they form a zygote.

What is Foetus?

A foetus is an unborn baby that is in the second half of pregnancy. The foetus is fully formed and grows inside the mother’s womb.

Zygote And Foetus: Difference

The main difference between a zygote and a foetus is that a zygote is a fertilised egg cell whereas a foetus is an unborn baby. A zygote contains all the genetic information needed to develop into a baby, whereas a foetus is fully formed and grows inside the mother’s womb. Read the below-given points to get a clear understanding:

Criteria	Zygote	Foetus
Meaning	A zygote is a fertilised egg cell that contains all the genetic information needed to develop into a baby	A foetus is an unborn baby that is in the second half of pregnancy.
Location	A zygote is formed when the sperm and egg cells fuse	A foetus grows inside the mother’s womb
Size	A zygote is very small, about the size of a pinhead	A foetus is much larger, about the size of a watermelon
Shape	A zygote is round and has a smooth surface	A foetus is long and has a wrinkled surface
Genetic information	A zygote contains all the genetic information (DNA) needed to develop into a baby	A foetus does not contain all the genetic information needed to develop into a baby
Development	A zygote develops into an embryo	A foetus develops inside the mother’s womb
Pregnancy	A zygote is not considered to be a pregnancy	A foetus is considered to be pregnant

Conclusion

So, what is the difference between a zygote and a foetus? A zygote is a single cell that is formed when the sperm and egg unite. This fertilised egg will start to divide and grow into an embryo. The embryo will then implant in the uterus and develop into a foetus. The development of the baby will continue until birth. Foetuses can feel pain and experience other sensations by about 20 weeks gestation. It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is different, so these timeframes may vary for each individual.