Prenatal Development and Birth

These flashcards cover significant vocabulary and concepts related to prenatal development and childbirth taken from the lecture notes.

Teratogens

Any environmental agent that causes harm to a developing fetus, leading to birth defects or other developmental issues.

Advantages of parenthood

Personal fulfillment, being a responsible adult, caregiving support in old age, continuing the family name, and strengthening couple relationships.

Disadvantages of parenthood

Responsibility for the child’s well-being, role overload, financial strain, and loss of privacy.

Preterm infants

Infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy or who weigh less than 5.5 pounds (2500 grams).

Cesarean delivery

A surgical birth where the doctor makes an incision in the mother’s abdomen to deliver the baby.

Small-for-date infants

Infants that are below their expected weight considering the length of the pregnancy, often due to inadequate nutrition before birth.

Golden hour

The sacred hour after birth for bonding between parent and infant, emphasizing the importance of early togetherness.

Maternal factors in prenatal development

Factors such as exercise, nutrition, maternal age, and emotional stress that significantly affect prenatal development.

Emotional stress effects on fetus

Stress hormones can cross the placenta, leading to increased fetal heart rate and activity, and can predict anxiety and behavioral issues in children.

Transition to parenthood

Changes in the family system and the evolving roles of parents following the childbirth.