207 Lecture 4

These flashcards cover key concepts related to biological development, prenatal influences, and their impacts on child psychology, based on the lecture discussion.

Fetal Learning

The ability of a fetus to learn and retain information from sounds and voices in utero.

Sensitive Periods

Specific times during development when individuals are more susceptible to changes, positively or negatively.

Teratogens

Environmental agents that cause damage during the prenatal period.

Dose-Response Relation

The correlation between the amount and duration of exposure to a teratogen and the severity of its effects.

Thalidomide

A drug that caused severe birth defects when taken by pregnant women, particularly affecting limb development.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A range of effects resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy, including facial deformities and cognitive impairments. The most commen teratogen.

Maternal Distress

The emotional state of a mother during pregnancy, including levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Fetal Programming Hypothesis

The theory that a fetus is biologically wired based on the maternal environment received in utero.

Preterm Birth

Giving birth before 37 weeks of gestation, associated with various negative outcomes for the newborn.

Public Policies

Government initiatives aimed at shaping societal practices that can enhance child development outcomes.