Chapter 4:

Prenatal
Development
and Birth

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 Prenatal
Development

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• Prenatal development is divided
into 3 periods and lasts
approximately 266 days:

– Germinal period.

– Embryonic period

– Fetal period

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Significant Development in the Germinal
Period

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 Teratogens
• Any agent that can cause birth defects.
Not just illegal drugs and alcohol !

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 Teratogens and Timing of Their
Effects on Prenatal Development

Zygote Embryonic period (wks) Fetal Period (wks)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 16 32 38

Most Central nervous system

serious Heart
damage Arms
from Eyes
teratogens
in first Legs
2-8 wks Ears
Teeth
Period of Palate
susceptibility to
structural defects External genitalia
Period of
susceptibility to
functional defects
Fig. 4.4 ©2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
 Types of Teratogens
A. Drugs
1. Prescription Drugs

2. Nonprescription:
--Aspirin
--Caffeine
--Nicotine

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ALCOHOL(also Non-prescription drug

• Fetal alcohol syndrome:

abnormalities in newborn due to
mother’s heavy use of alcohol in
pregnancy.

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• Moderate drinkers during
pregnancy had babies who were less
attentive and alert even at 4 years of
age.

• B. Illegal Drugs
– ALL illegal drugs are potential
teratogens(ex. Cocaine, crack,
marijuana, heroin, etc) and should be
avoided during pregnancy

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• C. Environmental hazards: exposure to radiation or
chemicals.

X-rays
Lead
Methylmercury: Tuna(light canned versus albacore)

Fish to avoid during pregnancy:

shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish

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 D. Maternal Illness
• Toxoplasmosis
• Foodborne Illneses: Listeria,
• Chicken Pox
• HIV/AIDS

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 Other Parental Factors

• Maternal factors:
• Maternal diet and nutrition.
• Emotional states and stress.
• Maternal age.

• Paternal factors:
• Paternal exposure to teratogens including
smoking.
• Paternal age.

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Care for preterm infants:

– Kangaroo care—holding preterm

infant so there is always skin-to-skin
contact.

– Massage therapy—Tiffany Field’s

research.

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 Weight Gain Comparison of Premature Infants
Who Were Massaged with Those Not Massaged

Premature 3 lb. 7 oz
infants who
were massaged
Premature 3 lb. 5 oz
infants who
were not 3 lb. 3 oz
massaged
3 lb. 1 oz
Infant
weight 2 lb. 15 oz
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Age (days)

Fig. 4.8 ©2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
 The
Postpartum
Period

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• Postpartum period lasts about 6 weeks after
childbirth when woman adjusts physically and
psychologically back to the prepregnant state:

– Influenced by preceding conditions and

experiences.

– Mother learns to care for the baby, feel good

about herself, and those close to her.

– Physical: hormone changes, weight loss, return to

menstruation, loss of energy or fatigue.

– Psychological: feelings of depression, anxiety,

coping in new role, excessive worrying.
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 Percentage of U.S. Women Who
Experience Postpartum Blues
Postpartum blues: and Postpartum Depression
symptoms appear 2 to 3
days after delivery and
subside within 1 to 2 weeks

70%

20% 10%

No symptoms
Postpartum depression: symptoms
linger for weeks or months and
interfere with daily functioning

Fig. 4.9 ©2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
A Father’s Adjustment:

– Generally ignored, but fathers go through

considerable adjustment.

– Some feel baby has replaced them in terms

of mother’s affection.

– Fathers should actively care for the baby.

– Parents should set aside time to be together.

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• Bonding (formation of emotional
attachment) between infant and mother:
– Usually occurs in period shortly after birth.
– Critical component in child’s development.
– Isolation of premature baby and use of drugs
in birth process may harm bonding process.
– Some experts advocate a rooming-in
arrangement while mother and child are in
the hospital.

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