PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

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CHAPTER 4

• PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

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THE COURSE OF PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

• Germinal period creation of the zygote one
  week after conception 100/150 cells.
• Embryonic period support systems for cells
  2/8 weeks after conception.
• Fetal period begins at two months, lasts for
  seven period of organ growth.

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TERATOLOGY AND HAZARDS TO PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT
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Exploring Teratology agents that cause birth
defects and their study

• Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs Several
  drugs used by the mother that have negative
  effects on the embryos and fetuses.
• Psychoactive drugs are used to alter states of
  consciousness, modify perceptions, and change
  moods. The effects of alcohol, nicotine, and
  illegal drugs on the fetus are well-documented.
• Incompatibility of blood types where the fetuss
  blood is RH positive ad the mothers is RH
  negative cause antibodies to attack the fetus,
  resulting in serious, often life-threatening
  damage.
• Environmental hazards of the modern world can
  cause chromosomal abnormalities. Exposure to
  toxins, radiation, pollutants, and excess heat
  can all contribute to a negative impact on the
  fetus.
• Other maternal factors such as infectious
  diseases (Rubella, Syphilis, AIDS), all have
  varying degrees of impact on the fetus. Also
  considered are emotional stress, age, and
  nutrition of the mother.
• Paternal factors can impact fetal growth such as
  pesticides at the workplace, smoking and diet.

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Positive prenatal development includes activities
and behavior by the parents that demonstrate a
caring concern for the growth of the fetus and
attempting to control the factors that can be
manipulated.
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EXPECTANT PARENTS

• Confirming the pregnancy Fetal life begins with
  the fertilization of the ovum, with pregnancy
  length calculated from the first day of the
  womans last menstrual period.

The Three Trimesters First initial three
months when prenatal organ systems are formed
physical and emotional adjustment for the mother
Second middle months, continued growth of
fetus, mothers physical adjustment to the
change Third uterus expands, some leg problems
with blood flow, physically exhausting.
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The Expectant mothers nutrition, weight gain,
and exercise are monitored for her health and
that of her baby. Weight gain should be between
2.2 pounds per month and 6.6 (excessive).
Appropriate levels of vitamins and adequate
exercise all contribute to a healthy balance.

• Culture and Prenatal care are also considerations
  that affect the fetus. Industrial countries
  generally have lower numbers of low-birthweight
  babies, with the United States at 7 percent
  however, this is higher among African-American
  infants.

Cultural beliefs also impact prenatal care In
India midwives play a large role in the birthing
process. Other cultures rely on ancient
medicinal practices and/or strong familial
cooperation.