A SUMMARY OF THE KEY- POINTS CHAPTERS 3 & 4 1

Key-points essay

Vallerie Hamby

Professor Whitman

PSY 235

September 3rd, 2023

A SUMMARY OF THE KEY- POINTS CHAPTERS 3 & 4 2

CHAPTER 3: Prenatal development

This chapter discusses prenatal growth, the time from conception to birth when a person

grows and changes. The first key- point is on the germinal stage. The implantation of the zygote

into the uterine wall and subsequent differentiation of the zygote into the embryo are part of the

germinal stage, which lasts for the first two weeks of fetal development following conception. A

blastocyst is produced by rapid cell division, which embeds in the uterine wall to start the

development of the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, the primary germ layers for all tissues

and organs in the body. Crucial occurrences include cell division, implantation, differentiation,

and conception. This time is vital because teratogen exposure can cause birth abnormalities,

highlighting the significance of the mother's health, especially during the germinal stage of

pregnancy.

The second key point is on the Embryonic stage. The embryonic stage, which lasts from

the third to the eighth week of pregnancy, is a critical time when the framework for the major

organs and organ systems is set. While the limbs and digits start to take shape, vital structures,

including the heart, brain, spinal cord, and several other organs, begin to grow. The key events

are the development of the primary bodily systems known as organogenesis, neurulation, the

formation of the neural tube that gives rise to the brain and spinal cord, limb development, and

facial development. This time is crucial because teratogen exposure can result in birth

abnormalities, underscoring the significance of attentive maternal care, especially during the

embryonic stage of pregnancy.

The third key- point is in the fetal stage. From the ninth week of prenatal development

until birth, the fetal stage is a time of rapid growth and development for the growing body.

During this time, the fetus grows and develops a lot, and its organs and organ systems start to
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work better. The baby begins to move and have reflexes, and its skin gets thicker, and hair

grows. Vital organs like the lungs and digestive system are fully developed, and the baby starts

peeking. These important events show the importance of the fetal stage as a critical time in

prenatal growth. Exposure to teratogens during this stage of pregnancy can cause birth

abnormalities. This shows how important it is to take care of the mother's health and well-being,

especially during the fetal stage of pregnancy.

The fourth key point is environmental influences on prenatal development. The

environment can have a significant effect on prenatal development. This includes the mother's

general health, what she eats, and her exposure to teratogens, which are harmful substances that

can cause congenital disabilities. Diabetes and high blood pressure in the mother can increase the

chance of congenital disabilities, which shows how important it is for the mother to be healthy.

Also, the mother's diet is essential because a healthy diet gives the fetus the nutrients it needs to

grow and develop. Birth abnormalities can also be caused by teratogens, which include drugs,

chemicals, radiation, and infections.

The fifth key point to note is the teratogens. A teratogen is a harmful material that can

cause congenital disabilities. These can be drugs, chemicals, radiation, or infections. The severity

of teratogenic effects relies on the type, the length of exposure, and where the fetus is in its

development. Alcohol, tobacco, some drugs, lead, mercury, pesticides, X-rays, and diseases like

rubella, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis are all common teratogens. Their effects can be

mild to severe, and they can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, newborn deaths, congenital

disabilities like cleft lip or palate, or mental disabilities. Women need to be aware of teratogenic

risks during pregnancy, and they should talk to their healthcare workers about how to understand

and reduce these risks.

A SUMMARY OF THE KEY- POINTS CHAPTERS 3 & 4 4

CHAPTER 4: Birth and the Newborn Baby

In Chapter 4, the delivery of a baby is discussed along with childbirth. The chapter also

covers the care of the newborn infant and the dangers and difficulties of labor.

The first key point is on the three stages of childbirth. The first, second, and third stages

of delivery are separate. The first stage, which is the longest, begins as the cervix begins to dilate

and ends after it has fully dilated (10 cm). During this stage, contractions become more frequent

and powerful and frequently coincide with the baby's head entering the birth canal. After the

cervix has fully dilated, the second stage begins, during which the mother actively pushes the

baby through the delivery canal. The third stage then develops after delivery and ends when the

placenta, which is the baby's connection to the mother's uterus during pregnancy, is removed.

Each step can continue anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the individual

woman. The second stage often lasts roughly 20 to 30 minutes, while the third stage lasts 5 to 10

minutes.

The second key point is on methods of childbirth. There are several ways to meet

individual preferences and situations during delivery. The most frequent form, vaginal birth,

involves the infant being born through the birth canal. A cesarean section, in contrast, consists of

making a surgical incision in the mother's belly to deliver the baby. Natural delivery strongly

emphasizes minimizing medical interventions, with the mother using breathing exercises and

relaxation methods to control labor discomfort. The well-being of the mother and child, the

baby's position, the mother's choices, and the accessibility of medical resources are all

considered.
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The third key point is on birth problems; Premature birth, which happens before 37

weeks and poses risks like respiratory distress syndrome; labor dystocia, which is abnormal or

hard labor caused by things like the baby's size, position, or the mother's health; and postpartum

hemorrhage, which is a lot of blood loss that usually happens because of uterine or vaginal tears

or clotting disorders. Other problems include cephalopelvic disproportion, which occurs when

the baby's head is too big for the mother's pelvis; placenta previa, which occurs when the

placenta blocks the cervix; and abruptio placentae, which happens when the placenta separates

from the uterine wall too early. Each problem needs medical care to ensure the mother and the

baby are healthy.

The fourth key point is on the postpartum period. After childbirth, mothers adjust

physically and emotionally for weeks or months. Fatigue, mood swings, and uterine, vaginal, and

breast pain are essential alterations. Rest, a healthy diet, hydration, and avoiding strenuous

activity are vital during this time. Uterine contractions, lochia, breast enlargement, and weight

loss may occur. Exhaustion, mood swings, and baby blues, a minor form of sadness or

postpartum depression affecting 10% of women, are emotional changes. With adequate care and

patience, the mother's body heals, allowing her to bond with her newborn during the postpartum

trials and delights.

The fifth key point is Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death for infants aged one month

to 1 year, but its exact reasons are unknown. Risk factors include prematurity, low birth weight,

prone sleeping positions, secondhand smoke, and inadequate prenatal care. SIDS cannot be

prevented, but parents can reduce the risk by placing the infant on their back, providing a

comfortable resting environment without overheating, not smoking around the baby, and having
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regular prenatal care. SIDS-related newborn deaths can devastate parents and families, but

support groups can assist. The incidence of SIDS decreases beyond the first year of life, and

there is no evidence that parental activities or inactions cause it or can predict which newborns

are prone to it.