Prenatal Development and Birth

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on prenatal development and birth.

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 responsible, caregiving in old age, continuing the family name, and strengthening couple relationships.

Disadvantages of Parenthood

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

Maternal Factors

Factors affecting prenatal development including exercise, nutrition, maternal age, and emotional stress.

Cesarean Delivery

A surgical birth where an incision is made in the mother's abdomen to lift the baby out of the uterus.

Preterm Infants

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

Small-for-Date Infants

Infants who are below their expected weight considering the length of the pregnancy, often suffering from inadequate nutrition before birth.

Golden Hour

The first hour after birth when bonding between the parent and infant occurs, emphasizing the importance of early togetherness.

Rooming In

A practice where the infant stays in the mother’s hospital room all or most of the time to enhance bonding.

Transition to Parenthood

Changes in family dynamics following the birth of a child, including shifts in caregiving roles and relationships.