Fetus vs. Baby: Understanding Prenatal Terminology

While many refer to a developing fetus as a "baby," the medical community typically refrains from using this term until after birth. Instead, scientific language refers to the developing stages as embryo (up to 8 weeks after conception), fetus (from 9 weeks after conception until birth), and neonate (the first 28 days after birth). This terminology provides clarity in medical discussions about prenatal development.