PSY 235 : Prenatal Development and Birth

Summary

This chapter explores prenatal development and birth, highlighting three key stages: the germinal period, embryonic period, and fetal period. The germinal period focuses on rapid cell division and implantation, while the embryonic period sees the formation of essential body structures, including the neural tube. The fetal period is marked by rapid growth, brain development, and maturation. The chapter also covers harmful substances, like teratogens, and how maternal and paternal behaviors influence fetal health. The importance of reflexes, bonding, and parental support in the early stages of life is emphasized, concluding with the role of the social network in supporting the new family.

Takeaways

• 😀 The prenatal development process is divided into three main periods: the germinal period (first 2 weeks), the embryonic period (3rd to 8th week), and the fetal period (9th week to birth).
• 😀 During the germinal period, the zygote begins rapid cell division and differentiation, and the placenta begins to develop.
• 😀 The embryonic period (3rd to 8th week) is crucial for the formation of basic body structures, including the neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord.
• 😀 In the fetal period (9th week to birth), the fetus grows in size and matures, with the brain and central nervous system continuing to develop.
• 😀 Growth during the fetal period follows two patterns: cephalocaudal (from head to toe) and proximodistal (from the center of the body outward).
• 😀 During the middle three months of fetal development, rapid brain growth occurs, with the formation of new neurons (neurogenesis) and synapses (synaptogenesis).
• 😀 In the final three months of fetal development, the fetus' lungs mature, the heart valves finalize, and the brain cortex undergoes significant growth.
• 😀 The baby's brain sends signals to the mother, triggering the release of hormones that start the labor process when the baby is ready to be born.
• 😀 Teratogens, including viruses and drugs, can cause birth defects, and behavioral teratogens can impair the child's future intellectual and emotional development.
• 😀 Maternal factors like health, illness, and drug use can affect prenatal development and birth weight, while paternal behavior can indirectly influence the outcome.
• 😀 Newborns are equipped with reflexes for self-protection, such as maintaining oxygen levels, regulating body temperature, and feeding.
• 😀 Postpartum depression can affect mothers after birth, with symptoms including sadness and difficulty bonding with the baby, often influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
• 😀 Fathers play an important role in supporting the mother’s health and stress management, contributing to the overall wellbeing of the new family.
• 😀 Parent-infant bonding is crucial for a strong emotional connection, and early skin-to-skin contact is helpful but not essential for this bond.

Q & A

What are the three main periods of prenatal development?

The three main periods of prenatal development are the germinal period (first two weeks after conception), the embryonic period (third to eighth week), and the fetal period (ninth week until birth).

What happens during the germinal period of prenatal development?

During the germinal period, which lasts for the first two weeks, rapid cell division begins immediately after conception, and the zygote starts to differentiate. The placenta also begins to develop, and implantation occurs around ten days after conception.

What is the significance of the neural tube during the embryonic period?

During the embryonic period (third to eighth week), the neural tube forms, which will later become the brain and spinal cord, making it a crucial part of the development of the central nervous system (CNS).

What key developments occur during the fetal period?

The fetal period (ninth week until birth) is marked by the growth of the fetus in size and maturation of its functions. Key developments include the formation of genitals, the detectable heartbeat, and the development of the brain and its functions.

What is cephalocaudal growth in prenatal development?

Cephalocaudal growth refers to the pattern of development where growth progresses from the head downwards, meaning that the head and brain develop before other body parts.

What is neurogenesis, and why is it important?

Neurogenesis is the formation of new neurons, which occurs during the prenatal period, especially in the fetal stage. This process is crucial for the development of the brain and the establishment of the central nervous system.

How do teratogens affect prenatal development?

Teratogens are harmful agents, including viruses, drugs, and other conditions, that can cause birth defects or complications during prenatal development. They can adversely affect the fetus, leading to various physical and mental health issues.

What is the role of maternal malnutrition in prenatal development?

Maternal malnutrition can significantly affect prenatal development by influencing the birth weight and overall health of the baby. Proper nutrition is vital for supporting the growing fetus.

How does the father's role influence prenatal development?

The father's role is an indirect but important factor in prenatal development. His attitude, behavior, and the relationship with the mother can influence the overall stress levels and support available to the mother, which can, in turn, affect the health of the baby.

What are some common reflexes that help protect newborns?

Newborns have three main reflexes that help protect them: the oxygen-maintaining reflex (breathing, sneezing, hiccupping), the body temperature-regulating reflex (crying, shivering), and the feeding reflex (sucking, rooting, swallowing).