Prenatal Development and Infancy

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to prenatal development and the first year of life.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the combination of sperm and ovum, containing 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures in the cell nucleus that carry genetic information, humans typically have 46.

Dominant Genes

Genes that overshadow the presence of recessive genes and determine traits that are expressed.

Recessive Genes

Genes that are masked by dominant genes and only expressed if both alleles are recessive.

Teratogens

Environmental agents that can cause malformation or abnormal development of the fetus.

Placenta

Organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, supplying nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.

Umbilical Cord

Cord that connects the fetus to the placenta, containing two arteries and one vein.

Apgar Scale

A method of assessing the health of a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.

Effacement

The thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for delivery.

Dilation

The widening of the cervix during the first stage of labor.

Morula

A solid ball of cells resulting from division of the zygote, which later develops into a blastocyst.

Blastocyst

A hollow structure formed from the morula that implants into the uterine wall.

Embryo

The developing human from the moment of implantation until the end of the eighth week of pregnancy.

Fetus

The developing human from the ninth week of pregnancy until birth.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, which can be fertilized by sperm.

Fertilization

The process by which sperm penetrates an egg to form a zygote.

Implantation

The process of the blastocyst attaching itself to the uterine wall.

Stage 1 of Labor

Dilation and effacement of the cervix.

Stage 2 of Labor

Expulsion stage where the baby is delivered.

Stage 3 of Labor

Delivery of the placenta.

Protective Reflexes

Automatic responses in newborns that help protect them, such as blinking and sucking.

Moro Reflex

A startle reflex that occurs when a baby feels like it is falling.

Rooting Reflex

A reflex in which infants turn their head toward anything that touches their cheek.

Sucking Reflex

An automatic response in newborns that helps them feed.

Grasp Reflex

A reflex where infants close their fingers around objects placed in their palm.

Tonic Neck Reflex

A reflex that occurs when a baby turns its head to one side, causing the arm and leg on that side to extend.

Babinski Reflex

A reflex action in newborns where the toes spread out when the sole of the foot is stroked.

Vital Signs

Key measurements of bodily functions including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

Gross Motor Skills

Physical abilities involving large muscle groups, such as sitting, crawling, and walking.

Fine Motor Skills

Physical abilities involving smaller muscle movements, such as grasping and using utensils.

Trust versus Mistrust

Erikson's first psychosocial development stage in infancy focused on forming secure attachments.

Temperament

The inherent personality traits that influence how a child interacts with the world.

Piaget's Sensorimotor Stage

A cognitive development stage where infants learn through interacting with the environment.

Crying

The primary means of communication for newborns to express needs or discomfort.

Cooing

Pleasant, vowel-like sounds made by infants, typically around 6 to 8 weeks of age.

Babbling

Combined consonant and vowel sounds produced by infants, usually occurring around 4 to 6 months.

Breastfeeding

The process of feeding an infant with milk from the mother's breast.

Bottle Feeding

Feeding an infant using a bottle filled with milk or formula.

Weaning

The gradual transition from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to consuming solid foods.

Solid Foods Introduction

The process of gradually incorporating non-liquid foods into a baby's diet.

Sleep Patterns

Typical sleep behaviors and cycles observed in infants, critical for their development.

Play Behavior

The different types of play that infants engage in, such as solitary play.

Safety Concerns

Potential hazards that could harm infants, such as suffocation, falls, and choking.

Health Promotion

Activities and behaviors aimed at enhancing overall health and preventing illness.

Regular Immunizations

Vaccinations given to infants to protect against various diseases.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Prompt identification and management of health issues to improve outcomes.

Head Control

An early developmental milestone where the infant can hold their head upright.

Crawling and Creeping

Early forms of locomotion where infants move across the floor using their arms and legs.

Standing

A milestone where an infant can support their weight on their legs.

Cruising

The act of walking while holding onto furniture for support.

Walking

A significant developmental milestone where an infant independently walks.

Hand Preference

The tendency of a child to use one hand more dominantly than the other.

Pincer Grasp

A fine motor skill where an infant learns to grasp small objects using their thumb and forefinger.