Chapter 5PRENATAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: THE FETUS AND THE EMBRYO

Mary E. Rudisill, Loraine E. Parish, and Qi Hang

Made by Wang Yan

§5.1 ORGANISMIC FACTORS DURING THE PRENATAL PERIOD

§5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS DURING THE PRENATAL PERIOD

§5.3 TASK FACTORS DURING THE PRENATAL PERIOD

§5.4 SUMMARY

One of the most fascinating and important periods of human development is the prenatal period.

During this time, growth and development occurs faster than any other developmental period in life.

The foundation for all the developing systems within the body occurs during prenatal life.

Three sections

Organismic Factors, Environmental Factors, Task-related Factors.

§5.1 ORGANISMIC FACTORS DURING THE PRENATAL PERIOD

First Trimester

The first trimester begins at the time of ovulation, when the egg is positioned in the mother’s fallopian tube for possible fertilization, and ends at the completion of week 14 after conception.

Over the course of the first trimester, the developing organism experiences the most rapid rate of growth and development it will ever experience.

Second Trimester

involves weeks 15 through 24 The organism’s rate of growth during

the second trimester is rapid. By the end of the first week (week

15) in the second trimester, the fetus’ major organs have developed.

high and low activity

Third Trimester

covers weeks 25-40. The fetus grows so big that there is very t

here is very little space in the womb for movement.

Babies born during this trimester have a greater chance of survival since all the major organs are functioning.

§5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS DURING THE PRENATAL PERIOD

The health of an unborn child is affected by a number of environmental factors.

some substances negatively impact the child

teratogen

Alcohol

it is now known that there are risks involved in consuming alcohol (e.g., beer, wine, liquor) while pregnant.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Smoking

Nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, and the many other chemicals in cigarettes deprive the developing baby of nutrients and oxygen necessary for healthy growth and development.

second-hand smoke

Pollution

indoor air pollution outdoor air pollution water pollution

Food Borne Agents

Pregnant women are highly susceptible to food-borne illnesses.

They should pay close attention to the foods they consumed during pregnancy.

Illicit Drugs

Despite the illicit drug a woman consumes during pregnancy, the impact on her fetus is the same.

In most cases, babies born to women who take drugs during pregnancy are underdeveloped, experience drug withdrawal symptoms, have birth defects, and experience learning and behavioral problem.

Over the Counter Medications, Prescription Drugs, and Herbal Remedies

Although some over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and herbal remedies are safe to consume during pregnancy, it is best to seek advice from a health care provider before taking any such medications.

Infectious Diseases

Rubella AIDS

Maternal Diseases

Rh incompatibility Genetic diseases Chromosomal diseases

Chronic Stress temporary stress chronic stressors

(e.g., financial burden, single-parenthood, and unsupportive partner).

minimize the negative outcomes associated with stress.

Nutrition

eat adequate amounts of nutrient rich foods.

avoid skipping meals and to consume adequate amounts of protein.

increase the number of calories they consume each day.

§5.3 TASK FACTORS DURING THE PRENATAL PERIOD

This period of growth and development for the organism is typically viewed as a task for the mother.

Primitive reflexes demonstrated in utero also exemplify prenatal tasks constraints.

Reflexes are motor actions responding to a task demand.

contribute considerably to the overall growth and development of the systems associated with movement and motor milestones.

§5.4 SUMMARY

In this chapter, prenatal human growth and development is described.

We introduced the organismic, environmental, and task constraints related to prenatal development as it relates to Newell’s (1986) triangular model of motor development.

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