PSY 2410 Chapter 4

Germinal (weeks 0-2), embryonic (weeks 3-8), and fetal (week 9-birth)

Debated, some say at conception, some after about two weeks/when it becomes an embryo, and others count from the last menstural period, about 14 days before conception

226 days, or 38 weeks, or 9 months

Division of pregnancy into three three-month periods. First is months 1-3, second is 4-6, and third is 7-9

Based on the date of the last menstrual cycle, but often off. 37-40 weeks = full term.

First 14 days/2 weeks, the zygote begins duplication and division within hours of conception. Development of the placenta and implantation occurs.

The shell that will become the placenta burrows into the nurturing lining of the uterus. Not simple, most zygotes do not implant

An estimated 65% of all zygotes do not grow or implant properly

~20% all all embryos are aborted spontaneously (early miscarriage), commonly due to a chromosomal malformation

~5% of all fetuses are aborted spontaneously before visibility at 22 weeks or are stillborn, more common in low-income nations

Only ~27% of all zygotes grow and survive to become living newborn babies

Weeks 3-8, primitive streak (22 days post conception) becomes the neural tube that later forms the brain and spine of the central nervous system; the head takes shape; the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth form; the heart begins to pulse; extremities develop and webbed fingers/toes seperate; cephalocaudal and proximodistal growth is evident; both male and female potential in a tiny intersex gonad are present

The name for a developing human organism from about the third week through the eighth week after conception

Growth and development that occurs from the head down

Growth or development that occurs from the center or core (spine) in an outward direction. This directional patterns continues until puberty, when it reverses

Week 9-birth, rapid fetus growth with considerable variation, avg of 3 months, 3oz, and 3 inches, hormones guide the growth of the body and brain, and in the third month, neurological sex differences begin, overlap is common

Large body movements and vigorous leg kicks, digestive and excretory systems develop, heartbeat speeds up when fetus is awake/moving, finger/toe nails and buds for teeth form, and hair grows, brain maturation allows the fetus to reach the age of viability

Neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems develop, the male fetus's testicles descend, hearing adjusts to sounds, the cortex becomes wrinkled, and fontanels develop

Occurs in the finaly months of pregenancy, cell death where as many as half of all neurons die,

is essential to understanding early brain development becuause true, biological, technical, and clinical experts are required

Specialized neural progenitor cells eventually become brain cells (neurons), which migrate to a particular brain region and specialize

Billions of neurons create ridges and depressions (gyri and sulci), allowing for a larger, more complex brain. Cortex layers are produced, back of neck, midbrain, and forebrain develop and connect, and synchronized connections between brain parts begin

The environment to become more influential, and fewer new neurons to form and existing neurons to be affected by maternal stress, sleep, exercise, and more

The release of hormones to trigger the uterine muscles

12 hours

7 hours

Various kinds, sitting, squatting, lying down, and water births (cultural and personal preference)

Lack of oxygen, that if prolonged, can cause damage or death. Occurs in childbirth due to contractions, which slows the fetal heart rate

More often occur in the least affluent nations, can be dangerous unless a trained birth attendent is present

Most common in affluent nations, one other family member can witness the birth, and a doula may be present to support the person in labor

A person who helps with the birth process. Currently, they are likely to arrive at the birthing parent's home during early labor and later work alongside a hospital's staff

Usually cry spontaneously, color changes from bluish to redish, and eyes open, fingers grab, and toes stretch

Quick assessment of the newborn's heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, color, and reflexes. Completed 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Scores are from 0-2 for each category, where 7+ is desired

A surgical birth in which incisions through the abdomen and uterus allow the fetus to be removed quickly instead of through the vagina. Medically indicated for 10-15% of births and adds risk for maternal death

For hospitals: easier to schedule, quicker, and more expensive; for birthing parents: advance planning, quick birth

Breastfeeding is less common, medical complications are more likely, babies are more likely to develop asthma, diabetes, and obesity, and they miss out on the beneficaial microbiome from the birth canal

International variations in drugs to reduce pain or start or speed labor. Many developed nations prescribe opioids, and over half of US births include an epidural

An agent or condition, including viruses, drugs, and chemicals, that can impair prenatal development and result in birth defects or even death. Some only cause damage during a critical period

In prenatal development, when a teratogen is relatively harmless in small doses but becomes harmful once exposure reaches a certain level. Thresholds are controversial

A cluster of birth defects, including atypical facial characteristics, slow physical growth, and reduced intellectual ability, that may occur in the fetus of someone who drinks alcohol while pregnant

Genes of both the carrier and the fetus interact with teratogens

Male fetuses are more often spontaneously aborted, stillborn, or harmed than are female fetuses, and one maternal allele reduces folic acid that can produce neural-tube defects (spina bifida or anencephaly); more common in certain ethnic groups

Some herbal products, over-the-counter drugs, nutritional supplements

Cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, opioids

Complications, including stillborn infants, were twice as high for the unvaccinated compared to the vaccinated

Less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds) at birth

Under 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces) at birth

Under 1,000 grams (2 pounds, 3 ounces) at birth

occurs at 35 or fewer weeks after conception, associated with LBW

A newborn whose birthweight is significantly lower than expected, given the time since conception

Malnutrition, drug use, multiple births

Developmental delays, cognitive, visual, and hearing impairments, behavioral difficulties, higher rates of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and depression

Symptoms of pregnancy and birth experienced by partners of pregnant parents

Unintended pregnancies increase the incidence of this and birth defects, and partners' attitudes. Partner involvement is important in the overall health of the pregnancy

The surprising, paradoxical fact that low-SES immigrant birthing parents tend to have fewer birth complications than native-born peers with higher incomes

One hypothesis is that immigrants are particularly likely to support their relatives who are pregnant, keeping them healthy and buffering poverty stress

Low birthweight is less common in most nations than is was, but it is increasing in some nations, the US among them

Food insecurity or increased substance use

An unlearned, involuntary action or movement in response to a stimulus, occurs without conscious thought

Maintaining oxygen, maintaining constant body temp, and managing feeding

Babinski, stepping, swimming, palmar grasping, and moro reflex

A new parent's feelings of inadequacy and sadness in the days and weeks after giving birth

Rates range from 5-27%, some causes may predate pregnancy, others correlate during pregnancy or birth process, baby care is complex, baby may be disappointing, initial euphoria may be followed by anxiety and depression, breastfeeding and social support may help

Support from a well-functioning, supportive family may meet the baby's social needs, but partners are also vulnerable to depression and may experience hormonal changes, sleep difficulties, and new parent stress

The strong, loving connection that forms as parents hold, examine, and feed their newborn, immediate contact is not essential for human bonding

A form of newborn care in which parents rest their babies on their naked chests, like kangaroo mothers