Question

Please identify and briefly describe the significant physical and physiological changes that occur in the prenatal developmental period, including those that relate to birth and the very early weeks of post-natal life.

Answer 1

Singnificant Physical and psychological changes occurring in prenatal developemental period :- The stages of prenatal development include the zygote period, the embryo period, and the fetus period.

Each of these stages are extremely crucial in trying to understand the different phases of development. It is also important in trying to figure out a baby’s most important period of growth in which outside factors may come to play a significant role as well as influence a baby’s development. Following the moment of conception, the first two weeks of development are most commonly known as the zygote period. During this period, fertilization and implantation occur. This process is key in early stages of development. For instance, it is where azygote initially attaches itself to the mother’s uterine wall for later stages of its growth.

The next few weeks (approximately three to eight), is usually known as the embryo period in which the embryo grows and begins to develop its organs as well as organ system tasks necessary for life. It is important to note that during this stage an embryo is particularly vulnerable to the influencesof its environment. Meaning that a mother’s health, emotions, stress levels, and even her actions can have a direct influence on the developing baby. For example, if the mother undergoes a substantial amount of stress it can force the developing baby to also go in distress. This can possibly even make the baby ill or even induce premature labor in some cases.

Environmental influences can also include toxins or drugs, whether it be prescription or illegal. The next stage of a baby’s development is the fetus period. The fetus period usually lasts from the third month until birth. During this stage, most of the baby’s major organ systems are fully developed except for the central nervous system which continues to establish until birth. There is development of reflexes, regulatory processes, and progression of the respiratory system. However, during this period one should be wary of respiratory distress syndrome in which the baby’s lungs are deficient thus preventing proper lung expansion and causing hyaline material to form in lung spaces. One should also be wary of the baby being born before the 28 week marking point. This is due to the baby most likely not being able to survive because of some underdeveloped systems, thus compromising the child’s life.