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PERIODS OF DEVELOPMENT
Prenatal Development Introduction
A
t the time of conception, the physical domains of the
unborn are developing and making the path for the
Two Physical Developmental
cognitive and psychosocial domains. Through genetics
Milestones
and maturation, these forces are becoming the role of
Two Language Developmental
future existence outside of the mothers womb. During the prenatal Milestones
developmental stage, rapid development is occurring. The sensory,
neurobehavioral and brain development also become at high risk. During Two Cognitive Developmental
Milestones
early stages of gestation, the fetus sensitivity responds to touch. The signs
One Sign of Atypical Development
of movement occur when the grasping of fingers begin to touch and
move away from external stimulation and then moves towards One Family Strategy to Influence
stimulation. About the tenth week in gestation, breathing movements are Learning and Development
Through the process of prenatal development, the fetus can become sensitive to the exposure of foreign
substance that can affect future developmental growth influences. Teratogens affect central nervous system
development and the behavioral development of the fetus, linking to undesirable outcomes. Exposure to
tobacco, alcohol or drugs can manifest various behavioral consequences. It is important to understand during
the prenatal development period that much thought is placed on the future health and development of the fetus.
Prenatal Development Period 3
PERIODS OF DEVELOPMENT
Prenatal Development Fact Sheet
Prenatal weeks and the babys eyes are sensitive to light (Berk, 2013, Ch.3.3).
During the third trimester stage (the fetal stage) the brain continues to make progress and the cerebral cortex
continues to enlarge. According to Child and Adolescent Development, the maturing brain assists in the further
development of the bodys systems the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and others (Mossler, 2015, Ch. 3.4).
Movements also recur when touching the mothers abdomen and typical response reflex to sudden loud noise
from the external environment.
During the prenatal stage of development, various physical milestones that the fetus reaches are typical and
normal for fetal development. However, external stimuli can influence atypical fetal development that can affect
later stages of development. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term that has various side effects and
behavioral outcomes caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (Berk, 2013, Ch. 3.4). It is a syndrome that is
characterized by slow physical growth, affecting facial abnormalities and brain injury, and additional
functioning areas can also be affected.
During the prenatal development stage, the fetal brain cells are forming. It is important that during the three
stages of prenatal development that the mother avoids chemical and dangerous substances that can be harmful
prior to birth. In the last stages of development, the brain is forming learning abilities and beginning
memories (Developing Human Brain, 2017). According to Developing Human Brain, during the fetal stage it
is recommended to expose the fetus to classical music and soothing sounds that will affect the childs
disposition later in life (Developing Human Brain, n.d.). Though classical and soothing sounds have not yet
been scientific proven but remains sound, the fetal brain reacts to the external stimulus that is provided by the
mother.
Additional Information
Atypical development
Chromosomal disorder is an atypical development that occurs during the meiosis process when the ovum
and sperm are merging. When a chromosomal do not typically develop as they should from the meiosis process
then an atypical development appears, therefore, producing many physical and mental symptoms. Down
syndrome is one the most known of a chromosomal disorder.
Figure 3 The journey from a sperm to human baby developing in the way
Family Resources
http://www.ehd.org/educators_readytouse.php
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preconceptioncare/conditioninfo/pages/healthy-pregnancy.aspx
Prenatal Development Period 7