PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Stages of Prenatal Growth

Germinal Period (Conception - 2 weeks)

Embryonic Period (3 – 8 weeks)

Fetal Period

Early (3 to 6 months)

Later (7-9 months)

GERMINALPERIOD

Germinal Period (conception- 2 weeks)

Oocyte (female germ cell) released from ovary and travels to uterine tube.

Sperm fertilizes oocyte in uterine tube.

Zygote travels up uterine tube, dividing continuously, creating groups of cells.

EMBRYONIC PERIOD

Embryonic Period (3-8weeks) Embryo forms different layers of cells

Development of other pre-natal essentials

• Placenta:Where blood vessels of mother and child intertwine • Umbilical cord: Connects embryo to placenta • Amnion: Clear fluid sack that protects embryo

Embryonic Period (3-8weeks)

Growth: 6mm long at 4 weeks,

4cm in size at 8 weeks

High risk of congenital malformation

Early Fetal Stage

Early Fetal Stage

started from 3rd – 6th month / week 13 – week 29

3

5

4

6

3

5

4

6

Early Fetal Stage

first reflex action begins (“quickening”)

formation of fingerprints

skeleton starts to harden (rubber cartilage > bone)

eyebrows and eyelids are in place

fat is put on, wrinkled skin becomes smooth

structurally complete, systems need time to mature

growth: 3rd month – 3 inches, 25 grams 6th month – 14 inches, 2 pounds

Later Fetal Stage

Later Fetal Stage

started from 7th – 9th month / week 30 – week 41

7

9

8

7

9

8

Later Fetal Stage

can open and close eyelids, follow a light

lungs are well developed

brain becomes active

kicking and changing position frequently due to cramped quarters

growth: 7th month – 16 inches, 2.5 pounds9th month – 20 inches, 7 pounds (at birth)

Prenatal Factors and Implications

Age factorDiabetes

Drugs and x-raysDiet

Age factor Teen mothers (below 16) and mothers over

35 are more exposed to the risks of miscarriages, premature births, and birth defects.

The children who have down syndrome usually because the mother who was 35 years of age at time of delivery.

Premature babies from young mothers are more likely to have neurological defects that will influence their coping capabilities - irritability, trouble sleeping, crying, etc.

Diabetes Central Nervous System

Congenital Abnomalities ( heart & skeletal defects )

Musculoskeletal Deformities

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Traumatic Birth Injury ( Asphyxia, facial Nerve Injury, Brachial Plexus Injury and Cesarean Section

Drugs and x-rays Drugs caused diverse deformities (e.g.

malformed arms, outer ear, missing bone in hand).

In one study, children of women who smoked more than 16 cigarettes a day while pregnant had a mean IQ in the average range, but 8 points lower than those of unexposed children ( Fried, Watkinson, and Gray, 2003).

Diet An unborn baby depends on its mothers for

nourishment.

To ensure the health of the developing fetus, increased amounts of many nutrients are needed. ( Such as calcium, protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, folic acid and etc.)

The lack of calcium can result in poor bone and teeth formation, and the lack of protein can lead to a smaller fetus and mental retardation.

Activities during prenatal

development

ACTIVITIES DURING

PRENATAL DEVELOMENT

EXERCISE (SWIMMING)

LISTENING TO MUSIC

YOGA & PILATES

READ TO YOUR BABY

BabyCenter LLC. (1997). What Your Baby Looks Like This Week. Retrieved from <http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-week-by-week>

Sherk, S. D. (n.d.). Prenatal Development. Retrieved from <http://www.healthofchildren.com/P/Prenatal-Development.html>

References