Psyc3329PrenatalDevelopment (1) (3)

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Key Concepts

• Fetal Learning

  • Discussion Prompt: The fetus can learn before birth.

Learning Before Birth

• Newborn Capabilities

  • Video: The capabilities of the newborn (4 min)

  • Questions to consider:

    • What does it imply that newborns are described as "brainstem preparations"?

    • What structures form the brainstem, and what are their functions?

    • Why is the brainstem model considered outdated?

    • Insights from Dr. William Fifer on prenatal learning.

Objectives of Study

• Pregnancy Stages:

  • Trimesters: 3 trimesters of 3 months each

  • Stages of Development:

    • Zygote: conception to 2 weeks

    • Embryo: 2 weeks to 8 weeks

    • Fetus: 8 weeks until birth

• Prenatal Influences:

  • Teratogens and maternal factors such as age

• Prenatal Diagnosis:

  • Techniques and importance

• Learning During Pregnancy:

  • Exploring how fetuses learn in utero.

Period of the Zygote

• Duration: From conception to 2 weeks

• Process:

  • Begins with fertilization in the fallopian tube

  • Rapid cell division occurs

  • Ends with implantation into the uterine wall

• Placenta Formation:

  • Develops to facilitate nutrient transfer and waste removal.

Development Milestones

1. Fertilization:

   • Egg and sperm unite in the upper fallopian tube

2. Cell Division Timeline:

   • 36 hours: 2 to 4 cells

   • 72 hours: 16-32 cells (Morula)

   • Day 4: Blastocyst formation (64-128 cells)

   • Day 6-7: Implantation into the uterine wall

   • By Day 12-14: Full implantation completed

Period of the Embryo (2 to 8 weeks)

• Growth: Rapid development of body structures

• Key Structures:

  1. Amniotic Sac: Protective environment surrounding the embryo

  2. Placenta: Connects embryo to the uterine wall, facilitating nutrient exchange

  3. Umbilical Cord: Transfers nutrients and waste between the mother and embryo

Period of the Fetus (8 weeks to birth)

• Development Process: Finishing touches on body systems

• Milestones by Weeks:

  • Week 12: Fetus 3 inches long, sex detectable

  • Week 20: 10-12 inches long, sucking reflex present

  • Week 22-26: Age of viability; significant weight gain and development of body fat

Conditions Affecting Development

• Miscarriages: Common causes and statistics on risks by maternal age

• Low Birth Weight Risks:

  • Maternal drug use, infections, multiple gestations, and teenage mothers

• Preterm Birth Factors: Developmental implications and health risks post-birth.

Stages of Birth

• Overall Process:

  • Stage 1: Labor contractions until full dilation

  • Stage 2: Delivery of the infant

  • Stage 3: Expulsion of the placenta

• Caesarean Delivery: Situational uses and associated risks

Post-Birth Learning

• Impact of fetal experiences on newborn capabilities (Dr. Annie Murphy Paul’s talk)

• Insights on prenatal learning such as story recognition and taste preferences

Review Techniques

• Study insights from the zygote, embryo, and fetus stages

• Utilize visual aids and additional resources for clarification.