What stage of pregnancy does an omphalocele develop?

An omphalocele is a congenital condition that occurs during the early stages of fetal development, specifically during the period when the intestines are supposed to return to the abdominal cavity after herniating into the umbilical cord. This process typically takes place around the sixth to tenth weeks of gestation. If this mechanism does not occur properly, the intestines can remain partially outside the abdominal wall, leading to an omphalocele.

During weeks 6 to 10, key developmental processes are occurring, making this time critical for the formation of the abdominal wall. The abnormal closure of the abdominal wall during this timeframe leads directly to the development of omphalocele. Therefore, this choice accurately identifies the most relevant stage of pregnancy for the development of this condition.