PSYC 1010 Lecture Notes - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Prenatal Development, Preterm Birth

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1010
• Professor: all

Document Summary

Development - the sequence of age-related changes that occur as a person progresses from conception to death. Prenatal development proceeds through the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages as the zygote is differentiated into a human organism. The embryonic stage is a period of great vulnerability, as most physiological structures are being formed. Maternal malnutrition during the prenatal period has been linked to birth complication and other subsequent problems. Maternal drug use can be very dangerous, although the risks depend on the drug used, the dose, and the phase of prenatal development. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a collection of congenital problems caused by a mother s excessive alcohol use during pregnancy. a variety of maternal illnesses can interfere with prenatal development. Genital herpes and aids can be transmitted to offspring during the birth process. Many problems can be avoided if expectant mothers have access to good health care.