PSY 2105 Lecture Notes - Prenatal Nutrition, Prenatal Development, Nutrition And Pregnancy
10 Feb 2013
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Agents that cause abnormal development in the fetus. Teratogens can have physical effects (malformation) or psychological effects (intelligence, temperament, activity) Babies of drug-addicted mothers are born addicted and are likely to have developmental problems. Can affect growth, increase risk of premature delivery. Mercury, lead, and pcbs are harmful chemicals to the fetus. Can damage the cns, cause brain abnormalities and blindness, and produce facial abnormalities. Poor prenatal nutrition results in unfavourable development, low brain weight, and higher rates of spontaneous abortion. Prenatal anxiety and stress experienced by expectant moms has been correlated with later behavioural problems and cognitive deficiencies in infants/children. Childbearing at an advanced age poses a risk for genetic disorders, preterm birth, and maternal/infant mortality. Prenatal care: proper nutrition and abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Genetic counselling: through genetic testing and interviews with prospective parents, the risk for certain genetic defects is assessed. Ultrasound imaging: uses ultrasound to monitor the development of the fetus.
