The zygote travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The zygote attaches to the lining of the uterus which has thickened to receive it. The zygote then starts to divide into many cells and grow into an embryo.

As it grows, the embryo moves away from the uterus lining, but is still attached to it by an umbilical cord.

The formation of the embryo

The umbilical cord connects the mother and the embryo. The embryo receives the food and oxygen it needs through the umbilical cord.

The embryo stays in the uterus during the nine months of pregnancy.