PSYC 1030H Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Prenatal Development, Preterm Birth
3 May 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Human Development Across The Lifespan
Progress before Birth: Prenatal Development
● Prenatal development proceeds through the germinal, embryonic, and fetal
stages as the zygote is differentiated into a human organism. During this period,
development may be affected by maternal malnutrition, maternal drug use, and
some maternal illnesses.
● A zygote, a one-celled organism formed by the union of a sperm and an egg.
● The prenatal period extends from conception to birth, usually encompassing nine
months of pregnancy.
● The course of Prenatal Development
○ The germinal stage (the first two weeks)
■ Is the first phase of prenatal development, encompassing the first
two weeks after conception.
■ The placenta is a structure that allows oxygen and nutrients to pass
into the fetus from the mother’s bloodstream, and bodily wastes to
pass to the mother.
○ The embryonic stage (two week - two months)
■ Most of the vital organs and bodily systems begin to form
○ The fetal stage (two month- birth)
■ The age of viability: the age at which a baby can survive in the
event of a premature birth.
● Environmental Factors and Prenatal Development
○ Teratogens are any external agent, such as drug or viruses, that can harm
an embryo or fetus.
● Maternal Drug use
○ Fetal alcohol syndrome is a collection of congenital (inborn) problems
associated with excessive alcohol use during pregnancy.
● Weeks since conception
○ 9: formation of brain; differentiation of ovaries and testes
○ 12: Can smile and frown; circulatory system working
○ 16: heartbeat is strong: mother feels movement
○ 20: Hiccups begin; hair forms
○ 24: visual and auditory senses functional: eyes open
○ 28: Body fat added; brain specialization
○ 32: Period of sleep and wakefulness
○ 36: Rapid increase in weight: gains immunity from mother
○ 38 full term: birth
Document Summary
Prenatal development proceeds through the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages as the zygote is differentiated into a human organism. During this period, development may be affected by maternal malnutrition, maternal drug use, and some maternal illnesses. A zygote, a one-celled organism formed by the union of a sperm and an egg. The prenatal period extends from conception to birth, usually encompassing nine months of pregnancy. The germinal stage (the first two weeks) Is the first phase of prenatal development, encompassing the first two weeks after conception. The placenta is a structure that allows oxygen and nutrients to pass into the fetus from the mother"s bloodstream, and bodily wastes to pass to the mother. The embryonic stage (two week - two months) Most of the vital organs and bodily systems begin to form. The age of viability: the age at which a baby can survive in the event of a premature birth.
