Prenatal Development

Physical Development
Conception creates a zygote which is a tiny mass of cells
that moves out of the fallopian tube and attaches to the
uterine wall. A typical pregnancy lasts about 38 weeks.
Physical development is very rapid in the first few weeks
of gestation. In 3-4 weeks, there is a primitive brain and
spinal cord. In 5-8 weeks, the embryo can move and has
developed a sense of touch (Berk, 2013). This Photo by Unknown Author is

Language Development
In the fourth week, the ears have begun to form. Even in the womb, a developing fetus
can detect and respond to sounds. Berk states that a 20-week-old fetus can be
stimulated or irritated by sound and by the third trimester, can distinguish the tone and
rhythm of different voices (Berk, 2013).

Cognitive Development
Brain development during gestation is impressive. At 7
weeks, neurons are produced inside the neural tube at
the rate of more than 250,000 per minute and most of
the brain’s neurons are in place by 24 weeks of
This Photo by Unknown Author is
licensed under CC BY-NC-SA gestation. In the third month, the fetus moves in
response to brain signals (Berk, 2013).

Social-Emotional
Fetal activity level may be an indicator of healthy neurological development. One study
indicated that more active fetuses became 1-year-olds who handled frustration better
and 2-year-olds who were less fearful (Berk, 2013).
A pregnant woman’s stress level may have long-lasting effects on the developing fetus.
Babies born to women who experience severe emotional stress during pregnancy,
especially the first two trimesters, are at risk for higher rates of miscarriage, being born
premature, low birth weight, infant respiratory and digestive illnesses, colic, sleep
disturbances and irritability during the first three years of life (Berk, 2013).
 Atypical Development
Growth and development can be difficult to monitor inside the womb.
Major causes of serious developmental problems are harmful
recessive alleles or chromosomal defects, which result from mistakes
when the ovum and sperm are formed (Berk, 2013).
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder and it
occurs in 1 out of every 770 live births (Berk, 2013).

Learning and Development Strategies

Women who are pregnant are advised not to take medications without consulting their
doctor. Berk states that any drug that contains a molecule small enough to penetrate
the placental barrier can enter the fetal bloodstream (2013). Pregnant women should
avoid medications when possible and consult their doctor in the case of any
medications that are prescribed or available over-the-counter.

Social Factors
A fetus that experiences excessive stress in the womb may have permanently altered
neurological functioning that heightens stress reactivity in later life (Berk, 2013).

Cultural Factors
For the past thirty years, women who have their first child in their thirties has increased
more than fourfold because more couples are waiting to have children until their careers
are well-established (Berk, 2013).