Unit 3:

Parenting & Child DevelopmentSCO 3.1 – 3.4

Human Dynamics 2201

Prenatal Care and Development

Lesson 1: Fetal Development

Conception

As soon as the sperm

and egg join,

development begins.

The connection of the

sperm and egg is called

conception.

Cell Division

Immediately cell division occurs.

It takes about one week for the

dividing cells to reach the uterus.

The separation of cells has made

about 100 cells by this time.

Two layers of cells have developed.

The mass will attach itself to the

uterus.

The outer layer becomes the

placenta and the inner layer forms

the embryo.

Embryo

The embryo is the name given to the developing organism from the time it reaches the uterus until it forms basic human features.

This takes about eight weeks.

The brain, nervous system and other major organs grow during this time.

Since the female usually does not even know that she is pregnant during this stage, it is important that proper food intake and a healthy lifestyle is maintained at all times.

Fetus

After eight weeks, the fetus is produced.

Amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus and cushions it while allowing it to move.

The placenta has grown and it allows for the exchange of nourishment and waste products between the fetus and mother.

The placenta also contains numerous blood vessels which are connected to the fetus.

Fetus

The umbilical cord carries blood from the fetus to the placenta.

The placenta lies very close to the mother’s blood vessels but is not directly connected.

However, material can pass from one to the other.

Sometimes, unwanted substances such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, drugs, bacteria and viruses may be exchanged.

These can be very harmful to the development of the child.

Fetus Features and Growth

The development of human features

happen quickly.

By 6 weeks after conception, the

backbone and brain have formed.

At 7 weeks, tiny swellings form which

are the beginnings of hands and feet.

At 8 weeks, eyes are visible and tiny

movements occur.

These are very small and cannot be felt

by the mother.

Fetus Features and Growth

By 12 weeks, a human fetus is recognizable and girls and boys begin to have distinct differences.

At 4 months, the fetus begins to swallow and pass urine. Fingers and toenails are present.

The eyes remain closed.

At 6 months, the fetus has periods of sleep and wakefulness.

It can probably hear voices, music and noises from outside.

Fetus Features and Growth

The heartbeat can be heard

using a stethoscope.

At 7 months, the fetus has

completely developed except

for the lungs.

An increase in size is occurring

and kicks can be felt by the

mother.

Fetus Features and Growth

By 32 weeks, the fetus has gained

fat and looks less wrinkled.

The lungs are starting to mature.

The fetus can be seen sucking. By

9 months, the fetus usually has

taken position, head down, for

birth.

There is no room for it to roll

around and it continues to

become fatter.

Fetus Features and Growth

By 40 weeks, the baby’s head

drops down into the mothers

pelvis and the baby is ready for

birth.

This period is known as full term.

This can occur anywhere from 38

to 42 weeks.

Assignment – Fetal Development

Research one of the following a create a digital poster on how it might

affect fetal development.

Nutrition / Exercise

Smoking

Drugs / Alcohol

Sound / Talking

Music

Email your poster to jenniferstanley@nlesd.ca

Lesson 2: Influences of Maternal Care

Prenatal Care and Development

Influences of Maternal Care

Healthy, full-term babies are complete human beings.

They have all internal organs and all senses are performing at differing levels.

The parent’s health and lifestyle both before and after conception can affect the health of the child.

The future of the child should be positive and the parents must ensure that their own environment creates this.

Nutrition

Poor eating habits of the mother leads to low birth weight in the baby.

Sometimes it can result in a premature birth or a miscarriage.

Nutrients required for adults to remain healthy are also needed for the fetus to maintain proper development and growth.

Problems for the child can develop later if there is not proper nutrition during development.

Exercise

The mother will be extremely tired, especially

during the first trimester.

It is important that adequate rest is provided to

allow development of the baby to occur.

Normal activity is allowed, including light exercise

such as walking.

The best person to know if the mother is able to

continue with activities is the mother herself.

If she becomes fatigued, she should stop the

activity and rest until feeling better.

Smoking

In males, smoking has been linked to a reduced quality of sperm.

The mother who smokes often has a child with a low birth weight and immature lungs.

There is a greater chance of miscarriage and sudden death syndrome for babies of mothers who are exposed to smoke.

Later problems can include attention deficits, behaviour problems, smaller size, asthma and allergies.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption has also been linked to reduced sperm quality in

males.

A wide range of birth defects including brain damage, vision and

hearing problems, and learning difficulties are associated with children

who were exposed to excessive alcohol during development.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder leads to low birth weight and many

physical, social, emotional, and intellectual delays during the child’s

lifetime.

Alcohol

Alcohol

Drugs

Drug use during pregnancy must be carefully

monitored.

Illegal drugs, caffeine and aspartame can cause

defective sperm and eggs which can result in

miscarriage or birth defects.

Prescription drugs must be limited and the doctor

needs to be aware that the mother is pregnant.

Any drug use can result in the newborn’s addiction.

Brain damage and damage to other organs may

require long-term care.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eP5EnFSG0c

Infections

Infections contracted during a pregnancy may require drug use which as described previously, can be harmful to the fetus.

Some infectious diseases such as German Measles, Chickenpox and Mumps can have devastating effects on the fetus while it is developing.

Women who have not been exposed to these diseases should receive a vaccination prior to becoming pregnant to reduce the risk of catching one of the diseases.

X-Rays and CT Scans

The sex cells and the tissues of an unborn child

in the first few weeks of its development are

very susceptible to damage by X-Rays and CT

Scans.

Pregnant women should avoid the use of an

X-Ray or CT Scan.

The child is often born with a deformity due to

the growth of tissue being altered by the

radiation

Lesson 3: Birth Defects

Prenatal Care and Development

Inherited Diseases & Genetic Birth Defects

Before having children, people should be aware of possible health risks

that can be passed on to children.

More inherited diseases and genetic birth defects can be identified with

DNA testing such as an amniocentesis test.

Genetic Counselling

Genetic Counselling is

recommended for couples who

have a history of birth defects in the

family.

Information about the possibility of

the child receiving the disease is

discussed and a decision to

become pregnancy can be made

after considering all risks.

Genetic Information

Chromosomes contain all your hereditary information.

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in all cells except the sec cells which have 23 chromosomes.

Each chromosome contains genes which is the basic unit of heredity.

Genes carry the characteristics that make each individual unique.

The information from genes is received from the mother and father.

Down Syndrome

Down’s Syndrome is a genetic

disorder which occurs when an

individual receives one extra

chromosome.

There is no known cause for this to

happen.

The person will have mild to

moderate mental impairment,

speech defects, and a short

stocky body type with a thick

neck.

Down Syndrome

They are more susceptible to

infections and usually have

abnormalities in one or more vital

organs.

Surgery can correct some of the

physical appearance but there is

no cure for this disease.

Most individuals with Down’s

Syndrome can participate in many

every day activities.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects

the lungs and intestines.

It is caused by the inheritance of two recessive

genes from both parents.

It is not preventable however through genetic

counselling couples can be aware of the risk of

passing on the disease to their children.

Research has led to treatment of this disease but

it can never be cured.

Through medication, patients are able to lead a

better quality life.

Diabetes

Diabetes is another genetic disease that is passed down from the

parents to the children.

The body is producing insulin but it is either not enough quantity or it is

not being recognized by the body.

This results in the body’s inability to break down glucose.

The disease is not curable but can be treated by changes to the diet

and exercise.

In some cases, insulin shots are required to manage sugar levels.

Rapid weight loss, blindness and circulatory disorders are usually

associated with this problem.

Tay-Sachs Disease

Tay-Sachs Disease is a recessive genetic

disorder due to changes in the

chromosomes.

The child will appear normal at birth but

the brain and spinal cord will begin to

deteriorate at about eight months of

age.

By one year, these children are blind,

mentally handicapped and have little

muscular activity.

Tay-Sachs Disease

Most die before their fifth birthday.

A build-up of fat destroys the brain

cells causing this disorder.

There is no treatment, but a blood test

can be used to identify people who

are carriers of this disease.

Prenatal Checks

There are many other disorders that can be apparent at birth.

However, usually during the prenatal checks with a doctor, the possible

risks associated with each case is discussed.

That is why it is important to involve a physician when a couple is

considering having children of their own to ensure there are no diseases

that should be considered prior to the woman becoming pregnant.

Lesson 4: Child Birth

Prenatal Care and Development

Childbirth

Child birth is the end of a pregnancy which results in the delivery of the

baby.

Each birth is unique and again there are many decisions that a couple

may have to make during this time.

These include the choice of pain medication, the family members who

will be present, the option of natural or a caesarean delivery, and the

use of forceps or other aids.

There are four stages to every childbirth which are labour, delivery,

afterbirth and recovery.

Labour

Labour begins with very mild contractions and continues until the cervix

has opened to ten centimetres.

Signs that labour has started include a blood-tinged discharge,

cramping in the lower back, the breaking of the amniotic sac (the water

breaking), and regular contractions.

Early labour may be so mild that the mother may not even know that

she has begun.

As the contractions become stronger and closer together, the mother

should go to the hospital.

Delivery

After the cervix has dilated to ten centimetres, it is time to push the baby

through the birth canal.

Contractions will still be strong, but not so often.

Sometimes it is necessary to make an incision or episiotomy to allow the

baby’s head to leave the mother’s body.

In normal childbirth, the head is born first.

The umbilical cord is clamped and cut forcing the baby to breath on its

own.

Delivery usually takes one and a half to two hours depending on the size

of the baby and the energy of the mother.

Afterbirth

After the baby has been delivered, several more pushes are required to

expel the placenta.

This can last from five minutes to half an hour.

Recovery

The recovery period is considered the first two or three hours after birth.

During this time, the mother and child need extra attention and care as

they recover from their experience.

The mother may feel chilly and have trouble passing urine.

They must drink fluids and eat a light meal if they are hungry.

The baby has to be cleaned up, weighed, measured and diapered for

the first time.

A health assessment of the baby as well as a screening test for inherited

diseases is completed.

The mother will also begin to nurse this baby during this stage.