10.1: Prenatal and Newborns

gametes

sex cells such as sperm and eggs

fertilization

combining of sperm and eggs to make a single-celled zygote

neurogenesis 

creation of new neurons that happens mostly prenatally 

synaptogenesis 

development of synaptic connections between neurons 

happens rapidly during development and also throughout life in response to experiences 

altricial

offspring that are very fragile at birth and require extended care

humans are altricial, which allows for an underdeveloped brain that can be modified extensively through experiences

congenital

condition a person is born with, often referring to diseases or disorders caused by genetics or prenatal complications

teratogen

any chemical, substance, or disease that affects prenatal development, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and drugs taken by the mother during pregnancy

drugs that affect prenatal development 

psychostimulants 

caffeine 

opioids 

cannabis 

nicotine 

alcohol 

APGAR test

test to check newborn baby’s health

scale from 0-2

appearance

pulse

grimace

activity

respiration

neonatal behavioral assessment scale NBAS

test given to babies that are 3-4 days old to check reflexes, motor movement, and social interactions