Prenatal and Neonatal

Prenatal Development Prenatal development lasts approximately 38 weeks from conception to birth. Three periods of development: ▫Zygote ▫Embryo ▫Fetus

Zygote Period The zygote is formed at conception and continues to develop for the first two weeks. The zygote travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus and implants itself in the uterine wall. After 2 weeks, the placenta begins to grow and is attaches to the zygote via the umbilical cord.

Embryo Period The embryo period begins at the end of the second week and ends at the end of the eighth week. First half of this period: ▫The ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm layers develop. ▫The heart begins to pump. Second half of this period: ▫Facial features, arms, legs, fingers, and toes form. ▫Can respond to touch.

Fetus Period The fetus period begins in the ninth week and continues through birth. At the beginning of this period: ▫Organs, muscles, and the nervous system organize. ▫The lungs expand and contract. ▫The external genitals are distinguishable. ▫The fingernails, toenails, tooth buds, and eyelids develop.

Fetus Period (continued) 18 Weeks - Fetal movements are felt by the mother. 20 Weeks - The fetus can hear sounds and react to them. 24 Weeks - All the brain neurons are developed. 25 to 38 Weeks – The fetus has a chance for survival outside the womb. This is called the age of viability.

Prenatal Health Issues Teratogens - environmental substances that cause damage during prenatal development ▫Medications ▫Drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol ▫Radiation and pollution ▫Infectious disease Other health issues can include: ▫The mother’s nutrition and stress level ▫Rh blood incompatibility ▫The mother’s age and previous pregnancy experiences

Medications Almost all medications that are taken by the mother can reach the embryo or fetus through the bloodstream. Medications can cause: ▫Low birth weight ▫Lower intelligence later in life ▫Death Mothers must consult doctors before taking any medications.

Illegal Drugs Fetuses exposed to illegal drugs in the womb are at risk of: ▫Low birth weight ▫Numerous defects ▫Death If the fetus manages to survive through birth, the baby is likely born with a drug addiction.

Cigarettes Cigarette smoking while pregnant can cause: ▫Low birth weight ▫Cancer in childhood ▫Miscarriage ▫Death Second-hand smoke can also put children at risk

Alcohol Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a serious effect caused by the mother consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Children with FAS may have: ▫Mental retardation ▫Poor attention ▫Hyperactivity, ▫Facial abnormalities ▫Slow growth

Radiation Pregnant women should avoid exposure to radiation, including medical X-rays. Exposure to radiation can cause: ▫Miscarriage ▫Poor physical growth ▫Brain damage ▫Cancer

Pollution Some environmental pollution dangers include mercury, lead, and PCBs. Exposure to pollutants can cause: ▫Brain damage ▫Mental retardation ▫Low birth weight

Infectious Disease Infectious disease can be difficult for pregnant mothers to evade. Common illnesses such as the cold and flu are essentially harmless to the fetus as long as the mother is well-rested and continues to get nutrients. Serious infectious disease can cause: ▫Birth defects ▫Low birth weight ▫Miscarriages

Non-Teratogen Prenatal Health Issues Pregnant women must be certain to get proper nutrition. The level of malnutrition of the mother is directly linked to brain weight in the child. Pregnant women should also try to remain stress-free. Anxiety can have harmful effects on the fetus.

Non-Teratogen Prenatal Health Issues (continued) Rh blood incompatibility between the mother and fetus can cause: ▫Mental retardation ▫Heart damage ▫Death Blood tests and vaccines are given to prevent illness or injury resulting from Rh incompatibility.

Neonatal Development The first four weeks of life are called the neonatal, or newborn, stage. In this stage, special attention is given to: ▫Parent-child bonding ▫Reflexes ▫Temperament ▫States of arousal ▫Sensory capabilities

The Apgar Scale The Apgar scale rates newborns in the following areas: ▫Appearance ▫Pulse ▫Grimace ▫Activity ▫Respiration Apgar scores: ▫7 to 10 – Healthiest ▫4 and 6 – Need assistance with breathing or other vital signs ▫0 and 3 – Need serious emergency medical attention

Bonding Bonding is a parent’s deep affection and concern for the newborn. Parents and children develop a special bond that allows the infant to grow and develop with confidence. Some parents instantly bond, while other parents bond over the first few weeks.

Reflexes Reflexes are expected, automatic responses to specific stimulants. Newborn reflexes include: ▫Rooting reflex ▫Sucking reflex ▫Palmer reflex Most of these reflexes should disappear as the baby grows and develops.

Sensory Capabilities Touch – most important sense for newborns Taste – prefer sweet over salty Smell – respond to good and bad smells Sound – special interest in the human voice Vision – least developed sense in a newborn

Newborn States of Arousal Newborns continually cycle through five states of arousal: ▫Regular sleep – deep sleep with little movement ▫Irregular sleep – light sleep with body movement ▫Drowsiness – waking up or falling asleep ▫Quiet alertness – awake and attentive ▫Waking activity and crying – uncoordinated movements and irregular breathing

Neonatal Health Issues The transition from the womb into the world does not occur smoothly. Neonatal health issues include: ▫Premature birth ▫Respiratory issues ▫Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Premature Birth Premature birth is used to describe infants that are preterm or small- for-date. ▫Preterm babies are born 3 weeks or more before the 38-week due date. ▫Small-for-date babies weigh less than expected compared to their length of time in the womb. With proper care and special attention, many premature babies go on to lead normal, healthy lives.

Respiratory Issues In respiratory distress syndrome, a baby’s air sacs collapse, which makes breathing very strenuous Respiratory distress syndrome can occur in premature or full-term babies. Babies with respiratory distress syndrome are attached to respirators until they can breathe comfortably on their own.

SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurs when an infant dies during sleep. Death occurs with no trauma to the child and no indication from the child, such as crying, prior to death. No cause, cure, or prevention has been found for SIDS.