Biological Beginnings: Prenatal Development, Birth, and the Postpartum Period

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Week 2: Biological Beginnings, Prenatal Development, Birth, and the Postpartum Period.

Evolutionary Perspective

A framework that explains development through selection and adaptation; biology and environment influence behavior.

Selection and Adaptation

Natural selection; the process by which better-adapted individuals survive and reproduce more often.

Natural Selection

The evolutionary process where advantageous traits increase an organism's survival and reproduction.

Evolutionary Psychology

A field emphasizing adaptation and reproduction (survival of the fittest) in shaping human behavior.

Bidirectional View

Biological and environmental conditions influence each other in development.

Genotype

An individual's genetic material or set of genes inherited from parents.

Phenotype

Observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of genotype and environment.

Zygote

Fertilized egg; a single cell containing the combined genetic material from both parents.

Fertilization

Union of egg and sperm that creates the zygote.

Germinal Period

First two weeks after conception, including fertilization, cell division, and implantation.

Blastocyst

Early embryo with an inner cell mass and an outer trophoblast that nourishes it.

Implantation

Attachment of the blastocyst to the uterine wall (about 10–14 days after conception).

Embryonic Period

Two to eight weeks after conception; organ formation begins via the three germ layers.

Endoderm

Germ layer that develops into the digestive and respiratory systems.

Mesoderm

Germ layer that develops into the circulatory system, bones, and muscles.

Ectoderm

Germ layer that develops into the nervous system and sensory organs.

Organogenesis

Formation of organs during the first two months; organs are vulnerable to environmental influences.

Life Support Systems

Structure and fluids that support the developing embryo: amnion, umbilical cord, and placenta.

Amnion

The sac surrounding the embryo filled with amniotic fluid.

Umbilical Cord

Cord containing two arteries and one vein connecting the baby to the placenta.

Placenta

Disk-shaped tissue where maternal and fetal vessels intertwine but do not join.

Fetal Period

From about 2 months after conception to birth; growth and maturation continue; viability around 24 weeks.

Viability

Chance that a fetus can survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks.

Three Trimesters

Division of prenatal development: germinal/embryonic in the first trimester; fetal in the second and third.

Neural Tube

Early structure that forms into the brain and spinal cord; closes by about 18–24 days after conception.

Anencephaly

Neural tube defect where major portions of the brain do not develop.

Spina Bifida

Neural tube defect where the spine does not close properly.

Folic Acid

B vitamin crucial for preventing neural tube defects.

Neurogenesis

Generation of new neurons; can occur at rates up to about 200,000 per minute.

Neuronal Migration

Movement of neurons to their proper locations, occurring 6–24 weeks after conception.

Ultrasound (Prenatal Tests)

Non-invasive imaging using high-frequency sound waves to visualize the fetus.

Fetal MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging for more detailed fetal images.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Prenatal test (11–13 weeks) using placental tissue to analyze fetal chromosomes.

Amniocentesis

Prenatal test (15–18 weeks) sampling of amniotic fluid for chromosomal/metabolic disorders.

Maternal Blood Screening (Triple Screen)

Blood test (16–18 weeks) measuring three substances to assess risk of birth defects.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab dish; embryos are transferred to the uterus.

Infertility

Inability to conceive after 12 months of regular intercourse (approx. 10–15% of couples).

Miscarriage

Spontaneous loss of pregnancy before viability.

Stillbirth

Death of a fetus in utero after viability (delivery of a nonliving fetus).

Teratogen

Agent that can cause birth defects or negatively affect development (drugs, pollutants, infections).

Maternal Factors

Diet, obesity, folic acid intake, mercury exposure, age, stress/anxiety/depression during pregnancy.

Paternal Factors

Exposure to radiation, lead, pesticides; smoking; support for mother.

Birth Process

Three stages: first stage (labor/contractions), second stage (delivery of baby), third stage (delivery of placenta and membranes).

Midwives

Health care providers who assist pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, often outside typical hospital settings.

Doulas

Support persons who provide continuous physical, emotional, and educational support during childbirth.

Vaginal Delivery

Birth through the vaginal canal.

Cesarean Delivery

Delivery via surgical removal through an abdominal incision; about 31.9% of US births.

APGAR Scale

Quick newborn health assessment at 1 and 5 minutes across five signs (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) scored 0–2 each.

Low Birth Weight (LBW)

Birth weight under 5 pounds 8 ounces.

Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW)

Birth weight under 3 pounds 4 ounces.

Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW)

Birth weight under 2 pounds 3 ounces.

Preterm

Born three weeks or more before full term (before 35 weeks).

Small-for-Date

Birth weight below normal for gestational age.

Kangaroo Care

Skin-to-skin contact for 2–3 hours daily in early infancy to aid growth and bonding.

Massage Therapy (Newborns)

Firm stroking for development, commonly 15 minutes, several times daily.

Bonding

Formation of a close emotional and physical connection between parents and newborn.

Postpartum Period

Approximately six weeks after childbirth; physical and psychological adjustments; uterus involutes.

Involution

Return of the uterus to its pre-pregnant size after birth.

Postpartum Blues

Mood changes (about 70%) 2–3 days after birth, usually resolving in 1–2 weeks.

Postpartum Depression

Major depressive episode after birth, lasting weeks to months and impairing functioning (about 10%).