Chapter 3: Prenatal Development

Student Learning Objectives SLO:

• At the completion of this class, students will:

• Explain how decision-making about childbearing has changed over time.

• Explain what teratogens are and how they influence prenatal development.

• Describe the impact of other maternal factors on prenatal development.

• Identify factors that contribute to preparation for parenthood during the prenatal period.

Think-Pair-Share

What are the benefits and drawbacks of having children?

How large would your ideal family be and why?

Why Have Children?

ADVANTAGES:

• Giving and receiving warmth and affection

• Experiencing the stimulation and fun that children add to life

• Being accepted as a responsible and mature member of the community

Why Have Children?

ADVANTAGES continued:

• Experiencing new growth and learning opportunities that add meaning to life

• Having someone to provide care in old age

• Gaining a sense of accomplishment and creativity from helping children grow

Why Have Children?

ADVANTAGES continued:

• Learning to become less selfish and to sacrifice

• Having someone carry on after one’s own death

• Having offspring who help with parents’ work or add their own income to the family’s resource

DISADVANTIAGES:

• Loss of freedom, being tied down

• Financial strain

• Family-work conflict-not enough time to meet both child-rearing and job responsibilities

DISADVANTIAGES:

• Interference with mother’s employment opportunities and career progress

• Worries over children’s health, safety, and well-being

• Risks of bringing up children in a world plagued by crime, war, and pollution

DISADVANTIAGES:

• Reduced time to spend with husband or wife

• Loss of privacy

• Fear that children will turn out badly, through no fault of one’s own

How Large a Family?

• Average number of children per couple; United States - 1.8, Australia, Great Britain, Sweden- 1.7, Canada – 1.6, Japan and Germany 1.4, Italy - 1.3

• Reasons for outcome: increase effective birth control methods, women’s decision to balance work and family, marital instability.

• The number of children does not decrease the intelligence of the children.

See figure 3.1, page 95

Scenario

Rhoda and Mark are career-oriented, 35 years old parents of an only child. They are thinking about having a second baby. What factors should they keep in mind as they decide whether to add to their family at this time in their lives?

Prenatal Development

CONCEPTION:

Most conceptions are the result from intercourse during a 3-day period-on the day of or during the 2 days preceding ovulation.

Activity Time!

1. Get into 3 groups.

2. In your group, you will:

-describe your trimester and use visual representations

Group 1: 1st Trimester

Group 2: 2nd Trimester

Group 3: 3rd Trimester

Prenatal Environment Influences

TERATOGENS: • This refers to any environmental

agent that causes damage during the prenatal period. It comes from the Greek word “Teras” meaning “malformation” or “monstrosity.”

Prenatal Environment Influences

Damages depend on the following factors:

Dose. Larger doses over longer time periods usually have more negative effects.

Heredity. The genetic makeup of the mother and the developing organism plays an important role.

Other negative influences. Poor nutrition, lack of medical care, and additional teratogens.

Age. The effects of teratogens vary with the age of the organism at time of exposure.

Teratogens

• PRESCRIPTION AND NON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Thalidomide, Accutane

• ILLEGAL DRUGS

babies are at risk for prematurity, low birth weight, and physical defects and born drug-addicted.

• Tabacco

often born underweight and may have attention, learning, and physical defects

Teratogens

• Alcohol: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

• Radiation: May cause physical malformations and severe brain damage

• Environmental Pollution: High levels of mercury; PCB; lead

• Infectious Diseases: Rubella, HIV, AIDS

Other Maternal Factors

1) Exercise : regular, moderate exercise is needed for the growth of the baby and reduces physical strains during the last months of pregnancy

2) Nutrition: Balance diet, folic acid, vitamins & minerals

3) Emotional Stress: When women experience severe emotional stress during pregnancy, their babies are at risk for a wide variety of difficulties.

Other Maternal Factors

4. Blood Incompatibility: This is when the

inherited blood types of mother and

fetus differ.

5. Maternal age and previous births: Women who delay having children until their thirties or forties face increased risk of infertility, miscarriage and babies born with chromosomal defects.

The Importance of Prenatal Health Care

APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE:

**Create a Brochure, Newsletter, Poster, or collage of what Pregnant Mothers should and should not do.