historical & Prenatal

What is a teratogen?

Any environmental agent that causes harm to a developing fetus, resulting in birth defects or developmental problems.

Examples of teratogens?

Alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, radiation, environmental pollutants (lead, mercury, dioxin), and infectious diseases.

What maternal factors affect prenatal development?

Exercise, nutrition, maternal age, and emotional stress.

How does maternal stress affect fetal development?

Stress hormones cross the placenta, increasing fetal heart rate and activity.

What developmental outcomes are associated with prenatal stress?

Anxiety, short attention span, anger, aggression, and overactivity in children.

How can the effects of prenatal stress be reduced?

Support from family and friends.

What are advantages of having children at an older age?

Greater emotional maturity and financial stability.

What are disadvantages of having children at an older age?

Declining reproductive capacity and increased risk of chromosomal/genetic disorders.

What is the germinal period?

The first 2 weeks after conception when implantation occurs.

What is the embryonic period?

Weeks 2-8, when major organs and body systems begin developing.

What is the fetal period?

From 8 weeks until birth, characterized by growth and refinement of organ systems.

What is natural childbirth?

A family-centered approach that emphasizes minimal medical intervention and active parental involvement.

Features of natural childbirth?

Choice of delivery positions, family presence, early parent-baby contact, reduced medical intervention.

What is the purpose of childbirth classes?

To teach the biology of labor, relaxation techniques, and breathing techniques.

What is a doula?

A trained labor coach who provides support during childbirth.

What is home delivery?

Childbirth that occurs at home, typically assisted by a certified nurse-midwife.

When is home birth generally considered safe?

For healthy women with a well-trained midwife.

What is a cesarean delivery (C-section)?

A surgical birth in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen.

Reasons for a cesarean delivery?

Rh incompatibility, placental separation, serious maternal illness, infection, breech position, or previous C-section.

Consequences of cesarean delivery for the mother?

Longer recovery time.

Consequences of cesarean delivery for the baby?

May be sleepier, less responsive, and have increased risk of breathing difficulties.

What is a preterm infant?

A baby born before 37 weeks of gestation.

What is a low-birth-weight infant?

A baby weighing less than 2500 grams (5.5 pounds) at birth.

Why are preterm infants at risk?

Many organ systems, especially the brain and lungs, may be immature.

Problems associated with preterm or low-birth-weight infants?

Brain abnormalities, illness, inattention, overactivity, sensory impairments, poor motor coordination, language delays, low IQ, learning difficulties, emotional and behavioral problems.

What factors increase the risk of prematurity?

Poverty and multiple births.

Why is low birth weight often transmitted across generations?

Genetic, environmental, and possibly epigenetic influences.

What is a small-for-date infant?

An infant whose weight is below expectations for the length of the pregnancy.

Causes of being small-for-date?

Poor maternal nutrition, placental malfunction, or fetal health problems.

Long-term outcomes of being small-for-date?

Physical and psychological health problems.

What is the "golden hour" after birth?

The first hour after birth when parents and infant have close contact.

Does attachment depend on the golden hour?

No, human attachment does not require a precise early bonding period.

What is rooming-in?

The infant stays in the mother's hospital room all or most of the time.

Benefits of rooming-in?

More parent-infant interaction, easier breastfeeding, and greater parental confidence.

Potential disadvantages of rooming-in?

Parental fatigue and reduced opportunity for rest.

How can disadvantages of rooming-in be reduced?

Support from hospital staff and family members.

What changes occur during the transition to parenthood?

Changes in family roles, couple relationships, and caregiving responsibilities.

What is associated with greater parental happiness after birth?

Sharing caregiving responsibilities.

What predicts effective parenting during preparation for parenthood?

Positive images of oneself as a parent and healthy relationships with one's own parents.

What influences people's decision to have children?

Financial circumstances, career goals, personal values, and health conditions.

Advantages of parenthood?

Personal fulfillment, maturity, caregiving in old age, continuing the family name, and strengthening relationships.

Disadvantages of parenthood?

Responsibility, role overload, financial strain, and loss of privacy.

Why has family size declined in Western nations since 1960?

Better birth control, women's careers, delayed childbearing, economic concerns, and divorce.