What is the difference between cleavage and normal cell division?

Cleavage is the initial stage in the process of embryogenesis. Its essence lies in the fact that multiple rapid mitotic divisions occur, as a result of which a multicellular embryo is formed. It differs from ordinary cell division in that there is no postmitotic period, and hence the growth of blastomeres. In general, in the course of this process, the total volume of the embryo will not change, but the sizes of the cells forming it become much smaller, that is, the embryo is fragmented. The result is a morula that is shaped like a berry.