Organogenesis is the process by which the three germ layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm) develop into internal organs through proliferation, migration, reaggregation and differentiation of cells. This process occurs between weeks 3 to 8 of development in utero. During this critical period, environmental factors can greatly impact development by disturbing key processes like cell division, apoptosis, gene expression and metabolism. Exposure to teratogens during organogenesis raises the risk of birth defects and structural abnormalities, while exposure later in pregnancy is less likely to cause such defects.