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Two physical developmental milestones that are typical with the prenatal stage period are

development of organs and maturity of lungs. When a fetus is in the 5


th
-8
th
week of development their
external and internal body structures and organs began to form. This is very important to a rapidly
growing fetus, because these developments begin the vital production towards development and life. In
weeks 25
th
-38
th
the fetus lungs are maturing and practicing essential skills such as breathing, sucking
and swallowing. As stated by Berk (2013), The tiny lungs begin to expand and contract in an early
rehearsal of breathing movements (pg. 92). These physical developments within the prenatal stage are
some of the first signs of a healthy fetus that is thriving in the womb.
Influential language developmental milestones that
will occur typically in the prenatal stage are the forming of
synapses and fetus responsiveness. At the end of the second
trimester, neurons of the brain are steadily accumulating
which begin forming synapses at an increased rate. This
synapse development within the prenatal stage will aid in
making connections and storing data for language later in
development. Brain growth means new behavioral capacities.
The 20 week old fetus can be stimulated as well as irritated by
sounds (Berk, 2013, pg. 92). In third trimester, while in the
womb fetuses can respond to voices and sounds. Although in
the womb, babies can hear and respond to familiar sounds and
voices of the environment around them. Parents are the first
people who contribute to a babys language development.
Typical cognitive development that will occur within the prenatal stage are brain connections
and the development of personality. In the 11
th
week, the brain is steadily making connections to
developing muscle, which will form the first kicks, hand and mouth movements. Another interesting
development is the beginning of a personality. By the end of the pregnancy, fetal activity is very
prevalent and temperaments can be identified. According to Berk (2013), Higher fetal activity in the
last weeks of pregnancy predicts a more active infant in the first month of life a relationship that, for
boys persists into early childhood( Groome et al., 1999)(pg. 93). These connections show that the fetus
is developing cognitive functions and making connections
within the womb.
Signs that may be linked to atypical development
during the prenatal stage is a decrease in organ progression
and malnutrition. When organs do not develop properly
children are more at risk to develop serve health complications.
An inadequate diet during pregnancy can also distort the
structure of other organs, including the liver, kidneys and
pancreas, resulting in lifelong health problems, including
cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adulthood( Barker,
2008;Whincup et al., 2008). Prenatal malnutrition can cause a
number of risk factors to both the mother and fetus.

Two typical social-emotional developmental milestones is
child responsiveness and the assemble expressions. A fetus can
respond actively to familiar sounds such as their mothers and
fathers voices by kicking and turning. While in the womb fetuses
also begin to perform complex facial motions such as parting lips,
wrinkling nose, lowering brows that contribute to form facial
expressions after birth.
A social factor that influences this stage of development is
if the mother actively talks and connect with child while in womb,
to increases positive bonding. A cultural factor that influences
prenatal development is the network of support. When mothers
feel they have a strong and reliable support network they are able
to accept and prepare for pregnancy in a more positive manner.
A mother can significantly influence her childs development within the prenatal stage by taking
a proactive approach to her health. Mothers who are active are less likely to develop long term stress
and less health complications during pregnancy. Excessive fetal stress may permanently alter
neurological functioning as well, thereby heightening stress reactivity in later life (Berk, 2013, pg. 105).
When fetuses are provided with a healthy atmosphere within the womb, they are more likely to develop
and thrive within their environment. Mothers can contribute to their healthy by exercising, eating
properly and attending checks ups with physician.

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