PSYC211 Study Unit 3: Birth & Physical Development (0-3 years)

Explain the birth process and methods of delivery.
Describe the physical appearance of the newborn baby and the post-birth adjustments of the body system.
Name and describe early reflex behaviors.
Explain the medical and behavioral assessments of neonates, particularly the use of the APGAR scale.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of feeding.
Discuss physical development during infancy.
Identify milestones of early motor development.
Describe SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Birth and physical development occurs from:
- Neonatal (0-4 weeks)
- Baby years (5 weeks-2 years)
Key topics include:
1. Birth process
2. Newborn Baby: physical appearance and reflexes
3. Feeding
4. Sensory capacity and observation
5. Early physical development
6. Sudden infant death

The birth process serves as a bridging process between two life phases (prenatal and postnatal).
Variability in the birth process is noted across cultures and individuals.
Natural Vaginal Delivery:
- Occurs through the birth canal in three stages:
- Cervical Dilation: Cervix dilates to allow baby passage (duration: 3-14 hours).
- Emergence: Baby's head emerges and continues until the baby is entirely out (duration: 15 min - 2 hours).
- Afterbirth: Expulsion of placenta and umbilical cord occurs about 20 minutes post-delivery.
- Average duration from first contraction to delivery is 14-15 hours, usually prolonged for first births.
Caesarean Delivery (C-Section):
- Involves surgical incision to deliver baby; recommended when labour is abnormal or complications arise.
- Associated risks include higher infant mortality and costs.
- Performed due to maternal choice for convenience can lead to complications.
Normal Birth Practices:
- Labor plans may include water birth, home birth, music, meditation, and hypnosis to ease delivery.
- Biochemical changes during labour: Increased levels of estrogen, uterine contractions, cervical softening (Braxton Hicks contractions).

Physical Appearance:
- Normal appearance characteristics: swollen purple face, broad flat nose, skew ears, different body proportions (head = 1/4 of body, adult = 1/8).
- Normal appearance, despite being compared to a defeated boxer’s look.
- Average Weight: 2.5 kg to 4.5 kg, usually regaining birth weight by the 10–14-day postnatal mark.
- Length: 45-56 cm.

Heart Rate: Ranges between 120 to 150 beats per minute, can accelerate to 170 during crying and reduce to 80-90 when resting.
Adjustments to blood circulation, respiration, digestion, body temperature, nervous system, and immunity occur post-birth:
- Blood circulation transitions from reliance on the placenta to independent functioning (first breath).
- Respiration switches from umbilical provisions to personal intake of oxygen; potential onset of respiratory issues due to mucus blockage.
- Digestion begins as the umbilical connection is severed; feeding instincts gradually solidify and establish.
- Temperature regulation starts as the infant’s environment shifts from uterus warmth to ambient temperatures.

Definition: Automatic, involuntary, inborn responses to stimuli indicating neurological development.
Reflexes include:
1. Babinski reflex: Toes fan outward when foot sole is stroked.
2. Moro reflex: Startle response with arm spreading when feeling unsupported.
3. Rooting reflex: Turning head toward cheek touch, aiding in nursing.
4. Sucking reflex: Automatic sucking when lips or mouth are touched.
5. Grasping reflex: Tightly gripping an adult’s finger in palm.
6. Walking/Stepping reflex: Stepping motions when feet touch surfaces when held upright.
7. Swimming reflex: Swimming motions in water.
These reflexes indicate health and development; they typically fade as voluntary control develops.

The APGAR score assesses the newborn's immediate health:
- Evaluated at 1 and 5 minutes post-birth across five characteristics (A-P-G-A-R).
- Appearance (colour): Bluish = 0, normal = 2.
- Pulse (heart rate): Absent = 0, above 100 = 2.
- Grimace Response (reflex irritability): No response = 0, strong response = 2.
- Activity Level (muscle tone): Limp = 0, complete movement = 2.
- Respiration: Absent = 0, normal breathing = 2.
Scoring: 7-10 indicates good health; 4-6 indicates moderate concern; 0-3 is critical.

Common feeding methods include breastfeeding and bottle feeding—both have advantages and disadvantages clearly delineated.

Must have iron-fortified formula, hygiene very important.
Should not introduce solids before 6 months.
Risk of obesity and malnutrition exists; studies show no clear emotional differences between bottle-fed and breastfed children when emotional support is given.

Infants typically double their weight by 4-5 months.
Muscular and skeletal structures develop rapidly; teeth appear around 6-8 months.

Roll over: 5.4 months
Grasp rate: 3.9 months
Stand alone: 13.7 months
Walking well: 14.9 months
Tower with blocks: 20.6 months
Imitate circle drawing: 4 years
Early milestones include newborns turning heads, the head support through varying ages, sitting, crawling, and walking.

Sudden unexpected death of an infant under one year—exact causes often undetermined.
Preventative measures include safe sleeping guidelines and awareness of signs.

Vision: Develops slowly, with 20-25cm focusing; prefers face recognition and contrasts by 6 months.
Hearing: Initial sounds unclear but develops towards speech recognition; responds adeptly to voices.
Smell: Distinguishes varied scents, identifies mother's scent.
Taste: Can recognize sweetness versus bitterness, showing preference for sweeter tastes.

Differences observed include responsiveness, activity levels, and emotional responses.
Unique temperamental traits influence interaction with caregivers.

Infancy is a critical phase characterized by rapid biological, cognitive, and social development. Understanding these processes is essential for fostering healthy growth and addressing developmental concerns effectively.