PSYC 289 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Prenatal Development, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Teratology
Document Summary
266 days (38 weeks) from conception to birth. Call it 40 weeks bc starts from last menstrual cycle. Period of the zygote - first 2 weeks. Period of the embryo - 3rd to 8th week. Period of the fetus - 9th week to birth. Prior to this, likelihood of survival is almost 0. Earlier baby is born, more likely to have health issues. Embryo period most negative effect of teratogen on baby bc that"s when major organs develop. More likely to create problems in organ functioning. Example: tranquilizer thalidomide, prescribed in early 1960s for pregnant women. If taken early in pregnancy, effects were shown but not later in pregnancy. Small increase in risk of miscarriage, low birthweight, and infant irritability and vomiting. Growth retardation, learning disabilities, behavior problems, distinctive facial characteristics. Respiratory problem and sids (sudden infant death syndrome) E-cigarettes --> not safer; might be less safe. Not well regulated (may contain higher levels of nicotine)
