Two physical developmental milestones that typically developing fetuses should attain

during the prenatal stage are external body structure formation and the nervous system,
organs, and muscles are organized and connected. During weeks 5 to 8, the fetuss face,
arms, legs, toes, and fingers form. In weeks 9 to 12 is when we see a rapid growth in size
due to muscles and organs forming (Berk, 2012, p. 90).
Although during the prenatal stage fetuses cannot speak, there are language
developmental milestones happening. By the end of 6 or 7 months of gestation, the fetus
is able to hear and respond to sounds (Caulfield, 2002). Also, in the last six weeks of
development in the womb, fetuses are able to distinguish the tone and rhythm of different
voices and sounds (Berk, 2012, p. 94).
Cognitive developmental milestones are happening throughout every phase of the
prenatal stage. During the third month, fetuses are able to kick, bend their arms, form a
fist, curl their toes, open their mouth, and even suck their thumb when their brain signals
to do so. Fetuses also spend more time awake and become more active during the third

trimester. This is due to neural connections and organization improving (Berk, 2012, p.
92).
Amazingly, social-emotional milestones are being made during the prenatal stage. Fetal
activity is linked to infant temperament. In one study, a more active fetus during the third
trimester becomes a 1-year-old who could better handle frustration. Fetal activity level is
an indicator of healthy neurological development, which fosters adaptability in
childhood (Berk, 2012, p. 93).
A sign that development is not occurring the way it should for a fetus is if a limb did not
grow properly. Phocomelia is a congenital condition in which one or more limbs are
missing, with the hand and/or foot attached directly to the trunk of the body (Gliozheni,
Sylejmani, & Kati, 2011). Another sign of atypical development is when there are
abnormalities of the chromosomes. This can cause serious developmental problems. Most
chromosomal defects result from mistakes occurring during meiosis, when the ovum and
sperm are formed. The chromosomal pair may not separate, or part of it may break off.
These create many physical and mental symptoms, such as Down Syndrome (Berk,
2012, p. 82).
Maternal factors have an impact on their fetuss development. Mothers need to stay
healthy by eating nutritious food and exercising. Her emotional well-being can also
impact cognitive development. It is important for mothers to have ample rest and keep
their stress levels down so that it does not impact their babys development.
Social stresses in the forms of anxiety in the mother can impact the fetus development.
Higher rates of miscarriages, prematurity, low birth weight, infant respiratory and

digestive illnesses, colic, sleep disturbance, and irritability during the childs first three
years can occur (Berk, 2012, p. 105).
A mother who is pregnant in a malnourished culture can cause serious damage to the
fetus central nervous system (Berk, 2012, p. 104). The fetus is not receiving the
nutrients needed for organs to grow as they should.
Please take a moment to view the video, Prenatal Development, to have a visual of the
information on the fact sheet. http://digital.films.com.proxylibrary.ashford.edu/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=18596&xtid=11844
References
Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Caulfield, R. (2002). Babytalk: developmental precursors to speech. Early Childhood
Educational Journal, 30(1), 59-62.
Films Media Group. (2001). Prenatal Development. Retrieved from:
http://digital.films.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=18596&xtid=11844
Gliozheni, O., Sylejmani, S., & Kati, K. (2011). Ultrasound and diagnosis of fetal anomalies.
Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 5(2/3), 193-204.