PRENATAL DEVELOPMENTStages, Hazards, and Influences of DevelopmentHannah Rowe

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Three Stages: Germinal Stage

Fertilization to 10-14 weeks Embryonic Period

2 to 8 weeks Fetal Period

8 weeks to birth

FERTILIZATION

A sperm cell from the father penetrates and unites the ovum from the mother to form a new organism called the zygote.

Each ovum contains one X chromosome, but requires either one X or one Y from the sperm cell.

This is when the fetus is conceived.

GERMINAL STAGE

Fertilization to 10-14 days Might be associated with bleeding 25% to 55% never achieve implantations Blastocyst forms

Cluster of cells The blastocyst implants itself into the uterus wall

5-7 days after it establishes a placenta and circulation

GERMINAL STAGE

Two weeks after, pregnancy is established The blastocyst produces hormones for two

reasons: Prevent menstruation Protect the embryo

EMBRYONIC STAGE

2 to 8 weeks Physical appearance Major organ formation Also known as the “critical stage”

Vulnerable to outside influences Probability of structural defects are the greatest

FETAL STAGE

8 weeks to birth Continued development

Weight gain Facial features Active movement

Quickening Rapid rate of growth Brain development

HAZARDS TO PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Teratogens: any agent that causes a birth defect

Most susceptible in the embryonic stage Severity and type of defect depends on

dosage, genetic susceptibility, and time of exposure

HAZARDS TO PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs Causes babies to be addicted

Antibiotics Estrogen Aspirin Diet pills

HAZARDS TO PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Psychoactive Drugs Drugs that act on the nervous system to alter

states of consciousness, modify perceptions, an change moods.

Caffeine: High consumptions (2 or more 8-oz cups of coffee; 5 or

more 12-oz cans of cola) can cause a high risk of miscarriage

HAZARDS TO PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Psychoactive Drugs Alcohol:

During pregnancy can result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

FASD is abnormalities in the child including facial deformities, defective limbs and organs, and mild to moderate mental illness

Nicotine: Can cause increased risk: Preterm births Fetal death Low birth weight Withdrawals Respiratory problems ADHD SIDS.

MATERNAL INFLUENCES TO DEVELOPMENT

Maternal Diseases Diseases and infections can cause defects by

crossing the placental barrier Rubella Syphilis Genital herpes HIV

MATERNAL INFLUENCES TO DEVELOPMENT

Maternal Diet and Nutrition Malnourishment

Can lead to low birth weight, infant mortality, poor intellectual abilities

Undernourishment Can lead to low birth weight

Obesity At risk for stillbirth, fetal death, and central nervous

system defects

MATERNAL INFLUENCES TO DEVELOPMENT

Emotional States and Stress Adrenaline producing factors such as intense

fears, anxieties, and stress are linked to preterm delivery

Risk factor for emotional or cognitive problems, ADHD, and language delay

MATERNAL INFLUENCES TO DEVELOPMENT

Maternal Age 20s Fertility declines until mid-30s Mortality rates of infants born to adolescent

mothers is double that of infants born to mothers in their 20s

After 35 Down Syndrome increases Risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and fetal death

PRENATAL CARE

It is important to educate the mother about teratogens and other prenatal hazards to ensure a healthy beginning for her and her baby.

CITED SOURCES Information:

Santrock, J. W. (2008). A Topical Approach to Lifespan Development. Dallas,Texas: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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