Recording-2025-01-31T19:09:55.900Z

Prenatal Development and Monitoring

• Ultrasound Usage

  • Important for tracking baby’s growth.

  • Key ultrasound at 20 weeks for growth assessment.

• NIP Test

  • Non-invasive prenatal test that analyzes genetic information from blood.

Role of the Placenta

• Functionality

  • Develops during pregnancy and connects mother’s bloodstream to the fetus.

  • Facilitates exchange of nutrients and antibodies, impacting fetal development.

• Immune Transfer

  • Provides antibodies for immunity, lasting from 3 to 6 months after birth.

Environmental Influences

• Developmental Risks

  • Environmental factors pose risks to fetal health (e.g., maternal substance use).

  • Conditions like fetal alcohol syndrome can arise from poor maternal choices.

Maturation vs. Experience

• Developmental Milestones

  • Sequence of development set by nature, e.g., babies cannot crawl before sitting up.

  • Experiences can impact timing of reaching these milestones.

Brain Development in Adolescents

• Developmental Progression

  • Brain matures from back (occipital lobe) to front (prefrontal cortex).

  • Prefrontal cortex: last area to mature, critical for decision-making.

• Teenage Brain Sensitivity

  • Limbic system quickly develops, sometimes outpacing the prefrontal cortex, leading to impulsive behavior.

  • Sensitive to rewards and experiences, promoting learning and sometimes risky behavior.

Research Findings

• Hyperactive Reward System

  • Adolescents learn faster from rewards compared to adults, indicating a readiness to take risks.

  • Brain activity in risk-taking behaviors more pronounced in adolescents due to immature prefrontal cortex.