PSYC 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Myelin, Prenatal Care, Prenatal Development
2 Mar 2020
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Document Summary
Development begins at conception, when sperm unites with egg to create the zygote. 2 weeks: zygote is firmly implanted in the uttering wall; next stage of development begins. After 2 months: growing human is called a fetus; no new structures emerge after prenatal month 2; the fetus simply grows larger, stronger and fatter as the body organs mature. Most healthy full-term pregnancies end with the birth of the baby between 38 and 42 weeks. Teratogens: agents that may harm the embryo or fetus i. e. drugs, environmental changes all depend on type, amount and timing of exposure. The physical effects of exposure to certain teratogens may be obvious at birth i. e. zika virus may lead to microcephaly. Not all teratogens result in obvious physical characteristics. Proper prenatal care that tracks the health of mothers and their developing babies throughout pregnancy is very important. At birth, most cells are in their adult locations.
