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Why is the brainstem model considered outdated?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
Fertilization:
Egg and sperm unite in the upper fallopian tube
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:
Amniotic Sac: Protective environment surrounding the embryo
Placenta: Connects embryo to the uterine wall, facilitating nutrient exchange
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.