Prenatal Development and Erik Erikson's Stages

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to prenatal development stages and Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages of development.

Prenatal Development

The period of development between conception and birth.

Gestational Age

The age of an unborn baby, usually dated from the first day of an expectant mother’s last menstrual cycle.

Germinal Period

The stage from conception to two weeks; involves zygote creation and rapid cell division.

Blastocyst

A hollow ball of cells formed during the germinal period.

Implantation

The process where the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall.

Embryonic Period

The stage lasting from two to eight weeks after conception, characterized by cell differentiation and organ appearance.

Organogenesis

The clinical term for the process of organ formation.

Fetal Period

The period lasting from two months after conception until birth, marked by rapid growth and refinement of body systems.

Neurogenesis

The developmental phase characterized by the massive generation of new neurons within the brain.

Teratogen

Any agent that can cause a birth defect.

Apgar Scale

A quick medical assessment used to evaluate the health and vital signs of newborns.

Preterm

An infant born three weeks or more before the pregnancy reaches its full term.

Erikson's Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage of development, occurring in the first year of life, where infants learn to trust the world based on caregiver consistency.

Erikson's Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second stage of development, from ages 1 to 3, where children assert their independence.

Erikson's Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

The stage occurring in middle childhood, where children aim to master knowledge and skills.

Piaget's Assimilation

Incorporating new information into existing schemes.

Cephalocaudal Development

Developmental pattern where growth occurs from head to toe.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

A condition where an infant stops breathing and dies suddenly, usually during sleep.

Secure Attachment

A type of attachment where children use their parents as a secure base and seek contact after separation.