Prenatal Development
Describe the second trimester. What happens at week 14?
In the second trimester, the mothers tend to feel better. At week 14, the uterus begins to grow. Quickening (small movements made by the baby that only the mother can feel) happens and feeling of attachment develop.
Describe the third trimester. What are some possible side effects?
In the third trimester, the mother will possibly have leg cramps, backaches, numbness in lower limbs, heart burn, and insomnia. Irregular uterine contractions occur as the baby sinks into the birth canal. Anxious anticipation may begin.
Why is alcohol bad to drink when pregnant?
It can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, causing developmental issues.
Why is nicotine bad for a developing baby?
It constricts the blood vessels.
examples of medication that can hurt developing baby
antibiotics, thalidomide, anti-sezure, anti-psychotics, anti depressants
age of viability
earliest date of birth with the possibility of survival; 22 weeks
cephalcaudal
growth from the head down
proximodistal
growth from the middle outwards
mass-to-specific sequence
large before fine structures and large before fine movement
examples of environmental toxins that can hurt developing baby
radiation, lead, mercury, PCBS
examples of infectious disease that can hurt developing baby
rubella, cytomegalovirus, AIDS, herpes, toxoplasmosis
What are the stages of prenatal development? Briefly describe each.
1. germinal stage: first 14 days; from fertilization to implantation; zygote 2. embryonic stage: week 3 to 8; embryo 3. fetal stage: week 9 to birth; fetus
7 teratogens
1. infectious disease 2. medication 3. recreational drugs 4. environmental toxins 5. vitamin deficiency 6. alcohol 7. nicotine
Describe the germinal stage. What happens?
First in the germinal stage is ovulation, which is when an ovum is expelled from the ovary and is suctioned into the fallopian tube. Sperm travel up the fallopian tubes in order to reach the ovum. Then, fertilization happens. One sperm penetrates the ovum and the male and female DNA combine.
What are the two main things that affect prenatal stress? How can those be managed?
Prenatal stress is influenced by many things, but personality and coping abilities are the highest. The intensity of those factors can be managed by the intensity, quality of coping, and timing of the stress.
Describe the fetal stage.
The baby grows dramatically. The body structures are refined and the brain is fully assembled. Neurons ascend to the top of the neural tube, reach their staging area, and begin to differentiate.
What happens to the dad during pregnancy? What can he do?
The dad will experience strong emotions and, depending if they are good or bad, this might stress the mother. If the father is supportive, this can ease the mother's stress.
Describe the embryonic stage. What is the time line?
The embryonic stage covers week 3-8 of the pregnancy. In the 3rd week, the circulatory system forms and the heart beats. At 20-24 days, the neural tube forms and differentiates into brain and spinal cord. At day 26, the arm buds form. At day 37, the leg buds form, as well as the feet, elbows, wrists, and fingers. At week 8, the embryo is 1.5 inches long. The internal organs are in place and the embryo looks human.
Describe the 1st trimester. What are some possible side-effects? How common are miscarriages?
The first trimester starts after the implantation of the blastocyte. There are lots of hormones in the mother's body, specifically an influx of progesterone and HCG. This can cause fainting, headaches, fatigue, tender breasts, and morning sickness. If the mom is under 30 years, miscarriages happen 1 in 10 times; if the mom is above 30 years, miscarriages happen 1 in 5 times.
What are some possible effects of teratogens on developing babies?
They can cause structural damage during embryonic stage, affect developing brain, are unpredictable so we don't know the threshold.
