Prenatal Development and Birth Chapter 4

Germinal Period Embryonic Period Prenatal Stages

The Brain at 4 stages of development: showing hindbrain, midbrain and forebrain.

Prenatal Environment Teratogens: Any disease, drug, or other environmental agent that can harm a developing fetus.

The critical periods of prenatal development The critical periods of prenatal development. Teratogens are more likely to produce major structural abnormalities during the third through the eighth prenatal week.

Some Drugs Taken by the Mother that Affects the Fetus or Newborn.

Characteristic Features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Maternal Disease and Condition that may affect an Embryo, Fetus, or Newborn.

State of Parents Mother Father Age Emotional Condition Nutritional Condition Children of older fathers more like to have… Congenital hear defects Neural tube defects Kidney problems Down Syndrome Exposure to environmental toxins can also affect a child, because toxins can damage genetic material in the sperm.

Perinatal Environment The environment surrounding birth Possible Hazards Anoxia (AKA Asphyxia) – oxygen shortage. Breech presentation Cesarean Section Postpartum Depression

Neonatal Environment Breast vs Bottle Breastfeeding consider the most natural form of nutrition for newborn and health benefits for mothers However, many women still choose to bottle. Several reasons are mention, but the biggest factors is low socioeconomic and less education. Other contributors to not breastfeeding Working outside the home Cultural norms (not as common in the U.S. compared to other countries. Black mothers less likely than white mothers. Hispanic women more likely to breastfeed when living in home country, but longer they live in US less likely to nurse. Why do you think this occurs?

Identifying At-Risk Newborns A few infants will be considered at risk for either short-term or long-term problems because of genetic defects, prenatal hazards, or perinatal damage. Low birth weight Premature birth

Identifying At-Risk Newborns APGAR Scale