Parsons Ch 4

Introduction

  • Carrie Fisher quote highlights pregnancy's transformative nature.

  • Pregnancy confirmation: positive test, morning sickness, missed periods.

  • Emotional responses vary widely.

  • Pregnancy = significant change.

Chapter Objectives

  • Describe germinal, embryonic, and fetal changes.

  • Explain neurodevelopment: neurogenesis, migration, etc.

  • Provide environmental impact examples on genetic expression.

  • Describe counselors' role in prenatal development.

Typical Prenatal Development

  • Duration: 266-280 days (38-40 weeks).

  • Three periods: germinal, embryonic, fetal.

Germinal Period

  • First two weeks post-conception.

  • Zygote attaches to the uterine wall.

  • Rapid cell division and differentiation.

  • Blastocyst: inner mass (embryo) and trophoblast (nutrition).

Embryonic Period

  • Weeks 2-8 post-conception.

  • Intensified cell differentiation.

  • Foundation for organs/structures.

  • Three layers: endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm.

  • First month: rapid changes, 1/4 inch long.

  • Second month: rapid growth, distinct features, upright posture.

Fetal Period

  • Ninth week to birth.

  • Body structure grows and develops.

  • Third month: brain signals body activity.

  • Neural activity: movement.

Neurological Development

  • Mature brain: 100 billion neurons, glial cells.

  • Neurons transmit information.

  • Glial cells support and protect.

  • Synapses: junctions between neurons.

  • Neurodevelopment: complex chemical transactions.

  • Starts with a single cell.

  • Rapid nervous system development in embryonic period.

Neural Tube Formation

  • Ectoderm forms neural tube, primitive spinal cord.

  • 3.5 weeks: brain forms.

  • Fifth week: rapid neural cell production.

Neuronal Migration and Development

  • Cells migrate to form brain parts.

  • Fetus develops sensory/behavioral capacities as neurons connect.

  • Responds to environment/stimulation.

Sensory and Behavioral Development

  • 20 weeks: responds to visual/auditory stimuli.

  • 28-30 weeks: response to auditory stimulus.

  • Habituation: decline in response to recurring stimuli.

  • Rearousal: indicates memory.

  • Neural connectivity increases through third trimester/postnatally.

Table 4.1: Neurodevelopmental Processes Summa’ry

  • Neurogenesis: Neural cells develop; essential for plasticity.

  • Migration: Neurons move; disrupted by prenatal factors.

  • Differentiation: Neurons specialize; affected by experiences.

  • Apoptosis: Redundant neurons die; survival depends on needs.

  • Arborization: Dendrites extend; influences activity.

  • Synaptogenesis: Neuron communication; density is experience-sensitive.

  • Myelination: Fatty sheath production; efficient communication.

The Role of Genes and DNA

  • Genes/DNA assemble proteins to regulate processes.

  • Human Genome Project: identified genetic variations linked to conditions.

Table 4.2: Sample of Gene-Linked Conditions

  • Down Syndrome: Extra chromosome 21; support needed.

  • Turner Syndrome: Missing X chromosome (females); support groups.

  • Klinefelter Syndrome: Extra X chromosome (males); education advocacy.

Polygenic Traits and Environmental Interaction

  • Genetic transmission often polygenic.

  • Genes interact with environment.

Environmental Influences and Teratogens

  • Genetic plan modified by prenatal environment.

  • Epigenetics: altered DNA methylation.

  • Teratogens: harm embryo/fetus.

Table 4.3: Sample of Teratogens

  • Isotretinoin: Heart defects, brain malformation.

  • Caffeine: Lower birth weight.

  • Nicotine: Preterm birth, SIDS, ADHD risk.

  • Cocaine: Neurological deficits, learning disabilities.

  • Marijuana: Altered brain function, lower intelligence.

  • Heroin: Withdrawal symptoms, impaired motor control.

  • Thalidomide: Birth defects.

Thalidomide Case: Sherry Chesenfinkbein

  • Sherry's story increased awareness, tightened laws.

Factors Influencing Teratogen Harm

  • Dosage, genetics, nutrition, age.

Alcohol as a Behavioral Teratogen

  • Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is devastating.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

  • Interferes with neuron production/migration.

  • Reduced brain size/abnormalities.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

  • Cluster of abnormalities.

  • Facial deformities, learning problems.

  • Behavior problems.

Historical Context of Maternal Care

  • Understanding of teratogens has increased.

  • Past: smoking/drinking acceptable, alcohol prescribed.

Maternal Stress

  • Stressors detrimental to pregnancy/health.

  • Prenatal stress has generational consequences.

Maternal Stressors

  • Physical: malnutrition, toxins.

  • Psychosocial: psychiatric disorders, violence, poverty.

  • Severe trauma: natural disasters, PTSD.

Project Ice Storm Case Illustration

  • Ice storm study: impact on children's development.

Impact of Prenatal Maternal Stress

  • Stress negatively influences pregnancy/development.

Effects on Fetal Development

  • Maternal stress linked to difficulties, health problems, and temperament issues.

Mechanisms of Stress Transmission

  • Stress hormones cross placenta.

  • Stress leads to unhealthy maternal behaviors.

The Lived Experience of Pregnancy

  • Pregnancy changes psychological, biological, familial, and social domains.

Exercise 4.2: A Life-Changing Event

  • Reflect on physical, emotional, and social experiences.

Physical Experiences:

  • Aches, nausea, fatigue.

Emotional Experiences:

  • Anxiety, joy, mood swings.

Social Experiences:

  • Impact on how one is viewed and treated.

Takeaway for Counselors

  • Pregnancy = stressful event.

  • Maternal stress has consequences.

  • Counselors support mental health.

Support Groups

  • Social support reduces complications.

  • Centering Pregnancy: group prenatal care.

  • Counselors facilitate groups: psychoeducation, stress management.

Counseling/Therapy

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

  • Mind-body interventions are effective.

  • Counselors use CBT and mindfulness.

Keystones (Summary)

  • Prenatal Development