Monster Update: Week 04

This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until ten weeks, all of the Monster's organs will begin to develop and function. As a result, this is the time when the Monster'll be the most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with its development. Right now the Monster is an embryo consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all its organs and body parts will develop. The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of the uterus, creating spaces for mom's blood to flow into so that the developed placenta can provide nutrients and oxygen to the Monster when it starts to function at the end of this week. Also present now are the amniotic sac that will house the Monster, the amniotic fluid that will cushion it as it grows, and the yolk sac that produces the Monster's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to it until the placenta is ready to take over this duty.

Text adapted from Baby Center.