Final answer:
The statement that physical growth is most rapid during the prenatal period, particularly in the third trimester, is true. This period is crucial for fetal development, with significant size increase and organ maturation occurring before birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physical growth is most rapid during the prenatal period is true. Specifically, rapid fetal growth is observed during the third trimester of pregnancy, as depicted in certain references such as Gray's Anatomy. During this time, there is a significant increase in body size, and the fetus accumulates body fat at a high rate. This growth is crucial for the maturity of all the organs and prepares the fetus for birth. After birth, infancy is the period of most rapid growth, with growth rates even outpacing those observed during the adolescent growth spurt.
The prenatal period is characterized by a sequence of developmental stages, with the third trimester marking the peak of physical growth. This period concludes with the labor process which involves contractions, delivery of the fetus, and expulsion of the placenta. It's during this time that a fetus's anticipation of birth is imminent, with organ development being completed and the body preparing for the external environment.