HD 3.1 Influences on Development

Teratogens

anything you're exposed to or ingest during pregnancy that’s known to cause fetal abnormalities.

The potential danger to the embryo is greatest during the _____ stage (? - ? weeks) when the infant’s body parts and major organs are forming.

Embryonic, 2-8 wks

Common teratogens to avoid

Alcohol, nicotine, drugs

Mental retardation from fetal alcohol syndrome, low birth weight, unusual facial characteristics

Alcohol can cause

mis-carriage, low birth weight, and poor respiratory functioning

Nicotine can cause

birth defects, premature births, low birth weight, neurological disturbances, high startle rate, learning disabilities, and slowed motor development.

Drugs can cause

Two other considerations in the development of the fetus are

Mother’s age and nutritional care during pregnancy

Understanding of gender in

Infants

Through adult appearances and behavior

Understanding of gender in

Children ages 18–24 Months

Begin to define gender, look for patterns in their homes

Understanding of gender in

Children ages 3-4

Deeper understanding of gender, boys and girls are defined

Understanding of gender in

Children ages 5-6

Understand rules and norms of genders, feel pressured to follow said norms

Understanding of gender in

Adolescence

Become aware of their own sexual orientation or question their gender identity

bruises, sores, burns with a child’s vague or reluctant response about where they originated

signs of physical abuse

poor hygiene (soiled clothes, dirty hair, or body odor), or poor nutrition (excessive hunger or weight loss)

signs of neglect

age-inappropriate sexual behavior or knowledge, difficulty walking or sitting, sudden onset of wetting, or inflicted self-harm.

signs of sexual abuse