Lecture 2: Prenatal Development

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to prenatal development, teratogens, and their impact on fetal growth.

Prenatal period

The stage of human development that occurs from conception to birth.

Zygote

A single cell formed by the fertilization of sperm and egg, containing 46 chromosomes.

Embryo

The stage of prenatal development from weeks 3 to 8, where organogenesis occurs.

Foetal Stage

The final stage of prenatal development characterized by rapid growth of the fetus and organ systems.

Teratogens

Environmental agents that can cause harm or abnormal development in the embryo or fetus.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

A range of effects caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, including growth deficiencies and cognitive impairments.

Thalidomide tragedy

The severe physical deformities caused by thalidomide exposure during pregnancy, particularly affecting limb development.

Quickening

The first noticeable movements of the fetus felt by the mother, usually occurring between 16–20 weeks.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Withdrawal symptoms observed in babies exposed to opioids during pregnancy.

Congenital Zika Syndrome

A set of birth defects caused by maternal Zika virus infection during pregnancy, leading to serious developmental issues.

Cortisol levels

Hormone levels related to stress; increased levels can negatively impact fetal development.

Organogenesis

The process of organ formation during the embryonic stage of development.

Myths About Prenatal Learning

Misconceptions suggesting that prenatal exposure to music leads to lasting cognitive benefits.

Maternal factors

Conditions or behaviors of the mother that can influence prenatal development.

Age of the Mother

Refers to how maternal age can affect pregnancy outcomes, with younger and older mothers facing increased risks.

Gestational diabetes

A condition during pregnancy characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to further complications.