Prenatal Development and Birth

These flashcards cover key concepts related to prenatal development and childbirth as outlined in lecture notes.

Germinal Period

The first two weeks after conception characterized by rapid cell division and the beginning of cell differentiation.

Embryonic Period

The phase from the third to the eighth week after conception where the basic forms of all body structures develop.

Fetal Period

The period from the ninth week until birth when the fetus grows in size and matures in functioning.

Zygote

The initial cell formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell.

Chromosomal Malformation

A genetic issue that often leads to spontaneous abortion during the embryonic period.

Viability

The stage of fetal development where the fetus can survive outside of the womb, typically around 22 weeks.

Cephalocaudal Growth

Development that occurs from head to tail, evident in the embryonic period as the head takes shape.

Proximodistal Growth

Development that occurs from the center of the body outward to the extremities.

Neurological Sex Differences

Differences in brain development between male and female fetuses that begin in the third month of pregnancy.

Apgar Scale

A quick assessment of a newborn's health, measuring heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, color, and reflexes.

Cesarean Section (C-section)

A surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen.

Teratogens

Any agent or condition that causes malformation of an embryo or fetus, leading to congenital disabilities.

Threshold Effect

The idea that certain teratogens are relatively harmless until exposure reaches a specific level.

Postpartum Depression

Feelings of inadequacy and sadness experienced by a new parent in the days and weeks after giving birth.

Kangaroo Care

A practice where a parent holds a newborn skin-to-skin, which has been shown to improve health outcomes.

Immigrant Paradox

The observation that low-SES immigrant birthing parents often have better birth outcomes than higher SES native-born peers.

Low Birthweight (LBW)

Defined as a weight of less than 2,500 grams (5½ pounds) at birth, associated with various risks.