Unit 3: The Stages of Human Development

Module 10: The Prenatal Development

Overview
This module on prenatal development revisits what students have discussed in classes they
attended prior to attending college. Prenatal Development refers to the process in which a baby
develops from a single cell after conception into an embryo and later a fetus It traces the early
beginnings of children and adolescent learners.

Technical Requirements

Content Outline:
1. The Prenatal Development: Your early beginnings
I. Definition and description of prenatal development
II. 3 divisions of prenatal development
i. Germinal
ii. Embryonic
iii. Fetal
III. Common Problems
i. Congenital abnormalities
ii. Maternal derived abnormalities
iii. Prematurity
IV. Risks in Prenatal Development
V. Parental Concerns

Objectives:
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Trace the course of the prenatal developmental process that you went through;
2. Identify the common hazards or risks during prenatal development;
3. Defend the “value and sanctity of life’.
4. You are to write your own objective(s) for this module. What do you want to accomplish
at the end of this module? Write it/them here:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Preliminary Activity:
You may see See: Nucleus Medical Media (2013, January 31). Fertilization.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5OvgQW6FG4

Description: This video, created by Nucleus Medical Media, shows human fertilization, also
known as conception. Shown at a cellular level magnification, sperm struggle through many
obstacles in the female reproductive tract to reach the egg. Then genetic material from the egg
and a single sperm combines to form a new human being.

Questions:

1. If that was your very first “journey” into this world, what are your thoughts? What have
you achieved in that journey? What does it say about you?
2. From that single sperm out of the 300 million successfully reaching and uniting with the
egg, would you consider it as chance? Luck? Destiny? Explain.
3. If it was chance or luck, or destiny, are you worth it? What do you do now out of that
chance, luck, destiny?

Discussion

The text on Prenatal Development is lifted from Encyclopedia of Children’s Health (n.d.).
Prenatal Development. http://www.healthofchildren.com/P/Prenatal-Development.html. You
will be directed to some Related Videos on prenatal development from Youtube for visual
presentations of the different processes involved in development during the early stages of
human development.

The Prenatal Development: Your Early beginnings

Definition: Prenatal Development refers to the process in which a baby develops from a single
cell after conception into an embryo and later a fetus.

See:
National Geographic (2018, December 20). Pregnancy 101. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=XEfnq4Q4bfk
Description: While customs and traditions involving pregnancy vary worldwide, the developmental
process is essentially universal. Find out about the science of pregnancy from conception, through the
three trimesters, and to labor and delivery.

TED (2011, November 14). Conception to birth: visualized. Alexander Tsiaras.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKyljukBE70
Description: Image-maker Alexander Tsiaras shares a powerful medical visualization, showing human
development from conception to birth and beyond.

Description of Prenatal Development

The average length of time for prenatal development to complete is 38 weeks from the date of
conception. During this time, a single-celled zygote develops in a series of stages into a full-term
baby. The three primary stages of prenatal development are the germinal stage, the embryonic
stage, and the fetal stage.
You may see:
Ultrasound Ireland (2014, November 24). Medical, Pregnancy Scans & IVF Fertility Scans 40 Weeks in
the womb by Ultrasound Dimensions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YEyA8e5S5k
Description: A remarkable look at fetal development by ultrasound.

Majod Johar (2015, March 23). Real Photography of the human fetus developing in the womb.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD1gW88Lm-Y
Incredible Real Photography of the journey from a sperm to human baby- Developing in the womb
photography by Lennart Nilsson All photographs are real , clicked by real conventional cameras with
macro lenses, an endoscope and scanning electron microscope These beautiful photographs of the fetus
growth in the womb is Incredible and wont let you blink your eye untill the video is over. Swedish
photographer Lennart Nilsson spent 12 years of his life taking pictures of the fetus Developing in the
womb. These incredible photographs were taken with conventional cameras with macro lenses, an
endoscope and scanning electron microscope. Nilsson used a magnification of hundreds of thousands
and “worked” right in the womb. His first photo of the human fetus was taken in 1965.

Majod Johar (2020, July 15). More fetus photography of the baby in the womb by Lennart Nilsson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcIhQYV5F4Q
Description: 24 days.The one-month-old embryo has no skeleton yet.There is only a heart that starts beating on the
18th day 5 weeks.Approximately 9 mm.You can now distinguish the face with holes for eyes,nostrils and mouth 40
days.Embryonic cells form the placenta.This organ connects the embryo to the uterine wall allowing nutrient
uptake,waste elimination and gas exchange via the woman’s blood supply Eight weeks.The rapidly-growing embryo
is well protected in the foetal sac 10 weeks. The eyelids are semi-shut. They will close completely in a few days 16
weeks.The foetus uses its hands to explore its own body and its surroundings The skeleton consists mainly of
flexible cartridge.A network of blood vessels is visible through the thin skin 18 weeks.Approximately 14 cm.The
foetus can now perceive sounds from the outside world 20 weeks.Approximately 20 cm.Woolly hair, known as
lanugo, covers the entire head 6 months.The little human is getting ready to leave the uterus.It turns upside down
because it will be easier to get out this way 36 weeks. The child will see the world in 4 weeks Sperm in the Fallopian
Tube..!! Photo credit to Lennart Nilsson Incredible Real Photos of the journey from a sperm to human baby
developing in womb. clicked by Lennart Nilsson for the Fetus study . He has clicked every stage of fetus developing
in the womb. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list..

Germinal stage
Conception occurs when the female egg (ovum) is fertilized by the male sperm. Under normal
circumstances, one egg is released approximately once a month from a woman's ovary during a
process called ovulation. The egg makes its way into a fallopian tube, a structure that guides the
egg away from the ovary toward the uterus. For fertilization to occur, sperm ejaculated during
sexual intercourse (or introduced during artificial insemination) in a substance called semen
must have made their way from the vagina into the uterus and subsequently into the fallopian
tube where the ovum has been released. This process can take up to ten hours after
ejaculation. For fertilization to occur, a sperm must penetrate the tough outer membrane of
the egg called the zona pellucida. When one sperm successfully binds with the zona pellucida, a
series of chemical reactions occurs to allow only that sperm to penetrate. Fertilization occurs
when the sperm successfully enters the ovum's membrane. The genetic material of the sperm
and egg then combine to form a single cell called a zygote and the germinal stage of prenatal
development commences.
The zygote soon begins to divide rapidly in a process called cleavage, first into two identical
cells called blastomeres, which further divide to four cells, then into eight, and so on. The group
of diving cells begins to move along the fallopian tube toward the uterus. About sixty hours
after fertilization, approximately sixteen cells have formed to what is called a morula, still
enclosed by the zona pellucida; three days after fertilization, the morula enters the uterus. As
cell division continues, a fluid-filled cavity called a blastocoele forms in the center of the group
of cells, with the outer shell of cells called trophoblasts and an inner mass of cells called
embryoblasts. The zona pellucida disappears and the morula becomes a blastocyst. At this
stage the blastocyst consists of 200 to 300 cells and is ready for implantation.
See:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2018, January 4). Beginnings of a Human Cell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdQBe2Efl9w

Description: A 3D animation about the functions and molecular components of a human cell as the cell is
signaled to divide after conception.

London Women’s Clinic (2016, August 4). Blastocyst Development – Day 3 to Day 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCn1PQP2yAo

Description:
This intriguing clip is one which embryologists will recognize but seldom with all the stages recorded on
video. It was taken by our unique-to-Wales embryo monitoring system, allowing us to study this IVF
embryo from WITHIN the incubator. The embryo's development is shown from day 3 until blastocyst
formation on day 5. Notice how the cells become differentiated, and the embryo expands to "hatch"
from its protein coat, ready to implant. This video not only shows how beautiful our embryos are but
also our commitment to providing the best possible conditions for both single embryo and blastocyst
transfer.

Implantation, the process in which the blastocyst implants into the uterine wall, occurs
approximately six days after conception. Hormones secreted from the mother’s ovaries and a
chemical secreted by the trophoblasts begin to prepare the uterine wall. The blastocyst first
adheres to the wall then moves into the uterine tissue. Implantation marks the end of the
germinal stage and the beginning gof embryonic stage.
See
New Hope Fertility Center (2011, March 8). Embryo Implantation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ldLWUpt82hI
Description: Animation video from New Hope Fertility Center (http://newhopefertility.com) to explain
embryo implantation. Around day 5 or 6, the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage and implants in the
uterine wall. Cells begin to differentiate. Different layers will form different parts of the body

Embryonic Stage
See for introduction: New Hope Fertility Center (2011, May 5). Embryonic Development. Day 1-5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsaEqwfoCB0
showing the development of an embryo at day 1, day 3, and day 5 (blastocyst stages).

The embryonic stage begins after implantation and lasts until eight weeks after conception.
Soon after implantation, the cells continue to rapidly divide and clusters of cells begin to take
on different functions (called differentiation). A process of gastrulation leas to the formation of
three distinct layers called germ layers:
1. Ectoderm, outer layer; eventually forms skin, nails, hair, brain, nervous tissues and cells,
nose, sinuses, mouth, anus, tooth enamel and other tissues
2. Mesoderm, middle layer; eventually develops into muscles, bones, heart tissue, lungs,
reproductive organs, lymphatic tissue, and other tissues
3. Endoderm, inner layer; forms the lining of lungs, bladder, digestive tract, tongue,
tonsils, and other organs.

As the embryo develops, each germ layer differentiates into different tissues and structures as
described previously. The process of differentiation takes place over a period of weeks with
different structures forming simultaneously. Some of the major events that occur during the
embryonic stage are as follows:

 Week 3: Beginning development of the brain, heart, blood cells, circulatory system,
spinal cord, and digestive system.

 Week 4: Beginning development of bones, facial structures, and limbs (presence of arm
and leg buds); continuing development of the heart (which begins to beat), brain, and
nervous tissue.

 Week 5: Beginning development of eyes, nose, kidneys, lungs; continuing development

of the heart (formation of valves), brain, nervous tissue, and digestive tract.

 Week 6: Beginning development of hands, feet, and digits; continuing development of

brain, heart, and circulation system.

 Week 7: Beginning development of hair follicles, nipples, eyelids, and sex organs (testes
or ovaries); first formation of urine in the kidneys and first evidence of brain waves.
  Week 8: Facial features more distinct, internal organs well developed, the brain can
signal for muscles to move, heart development ends, external sex organs begin to form.

See:
Bethea Medical Media (2014, October 14). The Placenta: Its Development and Function.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bped-RVWsLk
A three-part animation depicting the development and function of the human placenta. Updated
version can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdibm...

Creative Learing. (2013, February 17).Development of Zygote. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsFn-

_SC2Q8
The development of the zygote into an embryo proceeds through specific recognizable stages of
blastula, gastrula, and organogenesis. The blastula stage typically features a fluid-filled cavity, the
blastocoel, surrounded by a sphere or sheet of cells, also called blastomeres. The embryo of a placental
mammal is defined as the organism between the first division of the zygote (a fertilized ovum) until it
becomes a fetus. An ovum is fertilized in a fallopian tube through which it travels into the uterus. In
humans, the embryo is defined as the product of conception after it is implanted in the uterus wall
through the eighth week of development. An embryo is called a fetus at a more advanced stage of
development and up until birth or hatching. In humans, this is from the eighth week of gestation.
However, animals which develop in eggs outside the mother's body are usually referred to as embryos
throughout development, e.g. one would refer to a chick embryo, not a "chick fetus" even at late stages.
During gastrulation the cells of the blastula undergo coordinated processes of cell division, invasion,
and/or migration to form two (diploblastic) or three (triploblastic) tissue layers. In triploblastic
organisms, the three germ layers are called endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm. The position and
arrangement of the germ layers are highly species-specific, however, depending on the type of embryo
produced. In vertebrates, a special population of embryonic cells called the neural crest has been
proposed as a "fourth germ layer", and is thought to have been an important novelty in the evolution of
head structures. The endoderm forms: the stomach, the colon, the liver, the pancreas, the urinary
bladder, the lining of the urethra, the epithelial parts of trachea, the lungs, the pharynx, the thyroid, the
parathyroid, and the intestines. The mesoderm forms: skeletal muscle, the skeleton, the dermis of skin,
connective tissue, the urogenital system, the heart, blood (lymph cells), the kidney, and the spleen. The
ectoderm forms: the central nervous system, the lens of the eye, cranial and sensory, the ganglia and
nerves, pigment cells, head connective tissues, the epidermis, hair, and mammary glands.

By the end of the embryonic stage, all essential external and internal structures have been
formed. The embryo is now referred to as a fetus.

Fetal stage
Image from Organic Parenting https://sites.google.com/site/orgoparenting/prenatal-grow

Prenatal development is most dramatic during the fetal stage. When an embryo becomes a
fetus at eight weeks, it is approximately 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) in length from crown to
rump and weighs about 3 grams (0.1 ounce). By the time the fetus is considered full-term at 38
weeks gestation, he or she may be 50 centimeters (20 inches) or 3.3 kilograms (7.3 pounds).
Although all of the organ systems were formed during embryonic development, they continue
to develop and grow during the fetal stage. Examples of some of the major features of fetal
development by week are as follows:
Week No. Description of fetal development
Weeks 9–12 The fetus reaches approximately 8 cm. (3.2 in.) in length; the head is
approximately half the size of the fetus. External features such as the
face, neck, eyelids, limbs, digits, and genitals are well formed. The
beginnings of teeth appear, and red blood cells begin to be produced in
the liver. The fetus is able to make a fist.
Weeks 13–15 The fetus reaches approximately 15 cm. (6 in.) in length. Fine hair called
lanugo first develops on the head; structures such as the lungs, sweat
glands, muscles, and bones continue to develop. The fetus is able to
swallow and make sucking motions.
Weeks 16–20 The fetus reaches approximately 20 cm. (8 in.) in length. Lanugo begins
to cover all skin surfaces, and fat begins to develop under the skin.
Features such as finger and toenails, eyebrows, and eyelashes appear.
The fetus becomes more active, and the mother can sometimes begin to
feel fetal movements at this stage.
Weeks 21–24 The fetus reaches approximately 28.5 cm. (11.2 in.) in length and weighs
approximately 0.7 kg (1 lb. 10 oz.). Hair grows longer on the head, and
the eyebrows and eye lashes finish forming. The lungs continue to
develop with the formation of air sac (alveoli); the eyes finish
developing. A startle reflex develops at this time.
Weeks 25–28 The fetus reaches approximately 38 cm. (15 in.) in length and weighs
approximately 1.2 kg (2 lb. 11 oz.). The next few weeks mark a period of
 rapid brain and nervous system development. The fetus gains greater
control over movements such as opening and closing eyelids and certain
body functions. The lungs have developed sufficiently that air breathing
is possible.
Weeks 29–32 The fetus reaches approximately 38–43 cm. (15–17 in.) in length and
weighs approximately 2 kg (4 lb. 6 oz.). Fat deposits become more
pronounced under the skin. The lungs remain immature but breathing
movements begin. The fetus's bones are developed but not yet
hardened.
Weeks 33–36 The fetus reaches approximately 41–48 cm. (16–19 in.) in length and
weighs 2.6–3.0 kg (5 lb. 12 oz. to 6 lb. 12 oz.). Body fat continues to
increase, lanugo begins to disappear, and fingernails are fully grown. The
fetus has gained a high degree of control over body functions.
Weeks 36–38 The fetus reaches 48–53 cm. (19–21 in.) in length is considered to be
full-term by the end of this period. Lanugo has mostly disappeared and
is replaced with thicker hair on the head. Fingernails have grown past
the tips of the fingers. In a healthy fetus, all organ systems are
functioning.

See:

How Possible (2017, July 12). Fetal development month by month. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=WtDknjng8TA

Nucleus Medial Media (2017, August 18). Labor and Delivery: Childbirth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYu-0rOnLpA
In this medical animation, created by Nucleus Medical Media, a normal vaginal birth is depicted,
specifically highlighting the three stages of labor. The stages include the shortening and dilation of the
cervix, descent and birth of the infant, and birth of the placenta.

Common Problems
Although 90 percent of babies born in the United States are considered healthy, abnormalities
may arise during prenatal development that are considered congenital (inherited or due to a
genetic abnormality) or environmental (such as material derived abnormalities). In other cases,
problems may arise when a fetus is born prematurely.

Congenital abnormalities
In some cases abnormalities may arise during prenatal development that cause physical
malformations or developmental delays or affect various parts of the body after the child is
born. The cause may be a small mutation in or damage to the genetic material of cells, or a
major chromosomal abnormality (each normal cell has two copies each of 23 strands [called
chromosomes] of genetic material, and abnormalities can arise if there are three copies of a
strand or only one). Sometimes the abnormality is inherited from one or both parents; in other
cases, the defect occurs because of an error in prenatal development.
Some abnormalities are minor and do not affect the long-term prognosis once the child is born.
At the other end of the spectrum, abnormalities may be so severe that fetal demise is
inevitable. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of pregnancies end before the twentieth week, a
process called miscarriage or spontaneous abortion; congenital abnormalities account for a
significant proportion of miscarriages. Genetic abnormalities account for approximately 5
percent of miscarriages.

Maternal derived abnormalities

The age, health status, nutritional status, and environment of the mother are all closely tied to
the health of a growing embryo or fetus. Some examples of environmental factors that may
lead to developmental abnormalities include:

 Age: As of 2004, research showed that babies born to mothers between the ages of
seventeen and thirty-five tend to be healthier. One reason is that the risk of certain
congenital abnormalities such as Down syndrome increases with mother's age
(particularly mothers over forty). Another reason is that the risk of having pregnancy or
birth complications is greater with women over the age of thirty-five.
 Health status: In some cases a mother may pass a viral or bacterial infection to the
fetus, such as in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In other cases, a mother's illness
may cause congenital malformations; an example is rubella , which can cause heart
defects, deafness, developmental delays, and other problems in a fetus if the mother
contracts it during pregnancy.
 Nutritional status: A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients such as folic acid , calcium, iron,
zinc, vitamin D, and the B vitamins is recommended for pregnant women. Certain
vitamin and mineral deficiencies can interfere with normal prenatal development. For
example, a deficiency in folic acid during the early stages of pregnancy may lead to
neural tube defects such as spina bifida . Mothers are recommended to eat
approximately 300 additional calories a day (above and beyond a normal non-pregnancy
diet) to support the fetus's growth and development.
 Other environmental factors: Exposure to certain substances called teratogens (agents
that may interfere with prenatal development) during pregnancy may cause embryonic
or fetal malformations. Examples of teratogens include alcohol, thalidomide, cocaine,
certain seizure medications, diethylstilbestrol (DES), and the anti-acne drug Accutane.

Prematurity
Advances in medical care have made it possible for many infants born prematurely to survive
and develop normally. The earlier the gestational age, the greater the chance of death or
significant medical problems. Whether or not a premature infant will survive is intimately tied
to his or her gestational age:

 21 weeks or less: 0 percent survival rate

 22 weeks: 0–10 percent survival rate
 23 weeks: 10–35 percent survival rate
 24 weeks: 40–70 percent survival rate
 25 weeks: 50–80 percent survival rate
 26 weeks: 80–90 percent survival rate
 27 weeks: greater than 90 percent survival rate

Preterm birth (in Caring for Kids New to Canada, 2019).

Table 1. The 10 countries with the greatest number of preterm

births, 2010

India 3 519 100

China 1 172 300

Nigeria 773 600

Pakistan 748 100

Indonesia 675 700

United States of America 517 400

Bangladesh 424 100

The Philippines 348 900

The Democratic Republic of the Congo 341 400

Brazil 279 300

Sources: WHO 19 February 2018 www.who.int/news-room/fact-

sheets/detail/preterm-birth; Blencowe H, Cousens S, Oestergaard
 MZ, et al. National, regional and worldwide estimates of preterm
birth. The Lancet; 379(9832):2162-72.

Preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) is a global problem. Risk factors for preterm delivery
include: multi-fetal pregnancy, uterine abnormalities, placental bleeding, prenatal drug
exposure, chronic maternal illness, hypertensive disorders, chorioamnionitis, prolonged rupture
of the membranes and bacterial vaginosis.

Lack of prenatal care, underimmunization and inadequate treatment for maternal infections or
other medical issues, including STIs, can all contribute to developmental disabilities in a
preterm infant.

An estimated 15 million infants are born prematurely each year, approximately 1 in every 10
births. Over 60% of preterm births occur in Africa and South Asia (Table 1). Within countries,
poorer families are at higher risk, (Caring for Kids New to Canada, 2019).

Terms:

Miscarriage —Loss of the embryo or fetus and other products of pregnancy before the
twentieth week. Often, early in a pregnancy, if the condition of the baby and/or the mother's
uterus are not compatible with sustaining life, the pregnancy stops, and the contents of the
uterus are expelled. For this reason, miscarriage is also referred to as spontaneous abortion.

Teratogen —Any drug, chemical, maternal disease, or exposure that can cause physical or
functional defects in an exposed embryo or fetus.

Uterus —The female reproductive organ that contains and nourishes a fetus from implantation
until birth. Also called the womb.

Other Common Problems During Prenatal Development, (Aparna , 2018)

The fetal period of prenatal development is of intense growth and, hence, is very sensitive to
other conditions. There are the general problems one might observe during this stage.
1. Genetic Problems
As the baby grows, there are chances of some abnormal formations or development issues in
the physical aspects of the child, across multiple organs. It could be due to a genetic mutation,
gene damage, abnormality of chromosomes, and so on. This could descend primarily from the
parents. However, certain cases have shown that these could arise by themselves during the
prenatal stage. These abnormalities could range from being dismissively minor to absolutely fatal.
Chances of miscarriage at this stage are roughly 10-15%, mostly caused by these abnormalities.

2. The age of the mother plays a pivotal role in these situations. Younger mothers tend to have
healthier kids. For mothers over 35 to 40 years of age, their kids are highly susceptible to
Down’s syndrome, as well as other pregnancy-related complications.

3. Presence of any illnesses or diseases in the mother plays yet another factor in hampering
prenatal development. An HIV positive mother can pass the virus to her child. Other viruses
such as rubella, result in the baby having a defective heart or being born deaf.

Throughout pregnancy, it is essential for the mother to keep a balanced and nutritious diet that
contains all the vitamins and minerals that are needed. Certain supplements for folic
acid, calcium, iron, zinc, and other nutrients are recommended to keep their proportion
adequate for the mother as well as the baby. Deficiencies in them can result in an incomplete
growth of the fetus or even defects in the neural tube, resulting in an ill-developed brain.
Furthermore, the mother and fetus should avoid exposure to any substances like alcohol, illegal
drugs, or any medications, that directly affect the fetus and lead to multiple malformations.

Risk in Prenatal Period

Here are some of the risks in the prenatal period that need attention.
1. Malnutrition: Nutrition and a balanced diet are of prime importance in the prenatal period,
since the growth of the baby is at an all-time high. Any reduction in the nutrition of the
mother affects the infant as well. This leads to the formation of a foetus that is small in size,
which also affects the development of various body organs and immune systems as well as
nervous systems.

2. Pollutants: Exposure to various environmental pollutants can also mean problems for the
fetus. Certain pesticides or aerosols can contain chemicals that harm the natural growth of
the infant.

3. Marijuana: Marijuana can be used for therapeutic purposes as recommended by some

doctors in certain areas or for recreational purposes. Marijuana, however, stays inside the
fat cells of the body after consumption, for approximately a month. If it is still present
during conception or is consumed in the initial stages of prenatal development, it can affect
the growth cycle of the baby.
4. Alcohol: All mothers are strongly advised to ditch the bottle prior to pregnancy itself. And
during pregnancy, consumption of any kind of alcohol is highly forbidden. If a mother ends
up consuming alcohol while being pregnant, it can result in a fetal alcohol syndrome. This is
an array of birth-related complication and defects in the baby. The infant could end up
being retarded and have extremely low body weight. Their facial features can be ill-formed,
such as having a flat nose, extremely wide eyes, no philtrum present on the upper lip or
extremely thin lips.

5. Cocaine: Cocaine, in general, is quite a potent drug and has long-term effects on the body
which can be quite harmful. If a mother is exposed to cocaine or chooses to consume it, the
infant can result in having extreme behavioral problems. The baby can be hyperactive,
extremely oversensitive to external environments or even anybody holding them, and could
also suffer from mental retardation.

6. Tobacco: All women are strongly advised to stay away from smoking as well as reduce any
possible exposure to second-hand smoke from external factors while they are pregnant.
Mothers who continue smoking have an increased risk of pregnancy issues and miscarriage
as well. There can be further birth complications in the child.

7. Amphetamines and Tranquillizers: These are the worst of them all and can cause long-term
damage to the fetus, leading to severe retardation or extensive complications during birth.

The prenatal stage is extremely critical for any child. The majority of physical and psychological
development takes place during this stage, preparing the child to live by himself once he is born
and out into the world. When any problems or issues occur, it is important to understand the
reason behind its occurrence and what actions can be taken. Preventive measures are always
better than actions to counter the problems already afflicted.

Even after birth, the infant continues to develop and grow, and it is important that they are not
exposed to any of the factors even then. The brain development is still taking place and it is
important for that to continue unabated without any issues, to have a child that is strong,
independent, and healthy like his peers.

Parental Concerns
Many parents have questions or concerns about the prenatal development of an existing or
anticipated child and what steps they should take to ensure their child's health. During prenatal
visits to an obstetrician, a pregnant mother should be educated in proper nutrition and prenatal
care; often, prenatal vitamins are prescribed to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Prenatal testing is
often recommended to parents-to-be as a means of assessing the fetus's health and the risk of
developing certain conditions. Some common prenatal tests that relate to prenatal
development are as follows:

 blood tests to check for diseases that could affect the fetus, such as HIV, hepatitis B , or
other sexually transmitted diseases
 blood tests to check if the mother carries a protein called Rh factor on her red blood
cells; if she does not and her baby does (determined by whether the father is Rh-
positive or not), she will require treatment to prevent a potentially damaging reaction to
the baby
 chorionic villus sampling, a prenatal test that takes a tiny sample of the placenta with a
needle to test for chromosomal abnormalities
 nuchal fold or nuchal translucency screening test, which measures a small space at the
back of the fetus's neck using ultrasound; fetuses with larger nuchal folds have a greater
risk of having a chromosomal abnormality
 amniocentesis, a test that takes a sample of the fluid that surrounds the fetus in the
uterus to identify certain genetic disorders, congenital malformations, or the maturity of
the fetus's lungs.

You may want to read more: http://www.healthofchildren.com/P/Prenatal-

Development.html#ixzz6VcmOHFJR

Post Activity
3 W’s
1. What did you learn from this module?
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2. So what? (Relevance, Importance,
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3. Now What? (How does this fit into what we are learning? Does it affect our thinking?
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Evaluation:

1. Trace the course of the prenatal developmental process that you went through;
2. Identify the common hazards or risks during prenatal development;
3. Defend the “value and sanctity of life’;
4. Revisit what you wrote as your own objective/s at the Objectives part of this module.
You are to convert that into a question, or a product, or create anything to prove that
you have attained your own objective.

Reflective Writing: No. 10

Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is
courageous and bold, and the body, a miracle of wisdom.

– Harriette Hartigan from Pregnancy Quotes That Perfectly Capture the Magic of It. In Fairygodboss.
https://fairygodboss.com/articles/pregnancy-quotes

References:
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Bethea Medical Media (2014, October 14). The Placenta: Its Development and Function.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bped-RVWsLk
Caring for Kids New to Canada.(2019, July). Prenatal Risk Factors for Developmental Delay in
Newcomer Children. Baxter, C. (Ed.).
https://www.kidsnewtocanada.ca/mental-health/prenatal-risk.
Corpuz, B. et. al. (2010). Child and Adolescent Development Looking at Learners at Different Life
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Creative Learing. (2013, February 17).Development of Zygote.
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Encyclopedia of Children’s Health (n.d.). Prenatal Development.
http://www.healthofchildren.com/P/Prenatal-Development.html
How Possible (2017, July 12). Fetal development month by month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtDknjng8TA
London Women’s Clinic (2016, August 4). Blastocyst Development – Day 3 to Day 5.
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Majod Johar (2020, July 15). More fetus photography of the baby in the womb by Lennart
Nilsson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcIhQYV5F4Q
Majod Johar (2015, March 23). Real Photography of the human fetus developing in the womb.
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v=XEfnq4Q4bfk
New Hope Fertility Center (2011, May 5). Embryonic Development. Day 1-5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsaEqwfoCB0
Nucleus Medical Media (2013, January 31). Fertilization. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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Organic Parenting https://sites.google.com/site/orgoparenting/prenatal-grow
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