Development Flashcards
What are the three stages of the prenatal stage?
Germinal, Embryotic and Foetal
Describe the process of fertilization?
- Sperm is deposited into the uterus during sexual intercourse
- The sperm travels through the uterus, through the fallopian tubes, to the ovaries.
- A singular sperm (the first one to the egg) penetrates an egg
- The egg then releases electric pulses to prevent other sperm from entering. (If more then one sperm penetrates an egg, the egg will abort its self)
Germinal Stage
The germinal stage is characterised by cell division and starts at fertilization, ending at implantation. (0-2 Weeks)
During this stage the zygote divides (while travelling down the fallopian tubes) and becomes spherical, this is called a morula. The morula then develops layers, the outer layer, inner layer and the hollow, fluid-filled centre. The zygote is now called a blastocyst. The inner layer become the embryo and the outer layer, the placenta. The blastocyst then travels to the uterus and implants itself in the endometrium.
Embryonic Stage
The Embryonic Stage is characterised by cell differentiation and starts at implantation and ends at the eighth week (3-8 Weeks)
During this stage most internal and external organs and systems are formed such as
Circulatory system, the stomach and kidneys, lungs, the nervous system, the digestive and internal sex organs.
Limbs begin to from, starting out as buds emerging from the torso. Fingers and toes also form by the end of this stage.
By the eighth week, the brain and spinal cord are almost complete and the embryo looks distinctively human looking. 90% of structures found in adults are also found in 8 week embryos.
At this stage the fetus is most vulnerable to teratogens such as tobacco, alcohol and medication.
Foetal Stage
The Foetal stage is characterised by rapid growth and maturing, and starts at 9 weeks and ends at birth.
The fetus measures only a few centimetres in length at the beginning of the stage, but at the end is around 50 centimetres long.
All systems developed in the previous stage mature and are functioning by this stage. The placenta is also fully developed and functioning at 14 weeks.
Development Includes:
Sex organs, Millions of (ova) eggs formed, Movement, Reflexes (sucking and grasping), Tooth buds form in the gums, The bones start to harden or ossify, The senses begin to function around 25 weeks (respond to light, sound and touch). Fat is deposited under the skin (assist with temperature temperature regulation after birth)
Fetus also develop breathing movements but the lungs are filled with amniotic fluid not air.
What ages are considered, Infancy?
0-2 Years
What ages are considered, Early Childhood?
2-6 Years
What ages are considered, Late Childhood?
6-12 Years
What ages are considered, Youth?
12-18 Years
Infancy: PIES Development
Physical:
1. By the first year, the infant can support its own weight
2. By the age of 1, infants can stand and walk
3. By age 2, infants can usually throw and kick a large ball
4. Reflexes that are present at birth are gradually replaced by controlled movements such as neck control, rolling, sitting and crawling by 10 months.
Social:
1. Infant is totally dependent on their caregivers and will learn certain social skills by observing people.
2. Infants begin to smile at around 6 months and the infants will begin to recognise facial expressions of others such as a smile or a frown.
3. The infant can generally speak a few words at around 1 and understand many more.
Emotional:
1. One of the first signs of emotional development is when the hurt or distressed infant can be comforted by their caregivers.
2. Emotional attachment is formed within months and this helps the infant feel secure, safe and loved, this helping to build trust.
3. Fear may be shown when confronted by unfamiliar things
4. Frustration often results in tantrums.
Intellectual:
1. Many infants collect information by placing objects into their mouths.
2. Within months, the infant will recognise their name and respond when called.
3. Infants will begin to associate certain actions with particular outcomes e.g. crying and getting attention.
4. The attention span of an infant is short and may last only a matter of seconds.
5. By the end of infancy, the infant can say around 150-300 words.
Early Childhood: PIES Development
Physical:
1. Gross motor skills increase and their walking style becomes more fluid and refined
2. Fine motor skills progress, and the child can learn to manipulate zippers on clothing, hold crayons, scissors and even ties shoelaces.
3. Limbs and torso become more proportionate to the head.
Social:
1. The child may attend playgroup, kindergarten or a child-care centre, and this provides many opportunities to further develop social skills such as sharing and taking turn.
2. Children like to be accepted by others and may behave in a way that brings attention to them. This can include showing off performing for family and friends.
3. As the child becomes accustomed to spending short periods of time away from the family, independence starts to develop.
The child may start wanting to do things for themselves such as dressing or washing although they may not be completely successful.
Emotional:
1. A child will begin to develop a sense of empathy and may care for people who are crying or upset.
2. Children may use physical violence to express their frustration. This is particularly common with other children or siblings. Play often gives children a way of expressing their feelings.
3. Mood can change quickly during this stage as children often do not have the skills required to control their feelings.
Intellectual:
1. As interest in the world around them increases, children begin to question many aspects of their environment.
2. Children may learn to write basic letters and read basic books. They can also learn to count to 10 or 20
3. By the age of five, a child knows approximately 1500-2500 words.
Late Childhood: PIES Development
Physical:
1. Fine motor skills are developed, writing has improved.
2. Body proportions continue to change as the head grows more slowly in comparison to the torso, arms and legs.
3. Permanent teeth continue to develop and by the end of late childhood, most permanent teeth will be present.
Social:
1. Relationships with others change and the child will generally have numerous social contacts outside the family.
2. Social skills such as sharing, communication and conflict resolution are further developed by this increase in social interactions.
3. Morals develop and children acquire a greater sense of right and wrong as well as a better understanding of what is acceptable behaviour in their society.
4. Children place increasing importance on being accepted by others and may modify their behaviour in order to achieve approval.
Emotional:
1. Tantrums become less of a common occurrence.
2. Children also become more skilled at conveying emotions in words, and this may further increase control of their emotions.
3. Having better control over their emotions allows them to better function in a range of settings.
4. Self concept is largely established.
Intellectual:
1. By the age of six, a child will know 2000-3000 words.
2. Reading skills develop, by the age of 12 a child can read and make sense of age appropriate books.
3. Increased interest in numbers and can perform basic mathematical problems.
4. Long-term memories develop and children can more accurately recall stories.
Risk Factors of Prenatal Development
Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, Parental Health and Certain diets
Protective Factors of Prenatal Development
Maternal Diet, Folate, Iodine, Iron, Vaccinations, Parental Education, Access to Healthcare
Alcohol Consumption: Prenatal Development
When alcohol is consumed, it crosses the placenta from the mother’s blood to the baby’s blood. This can result in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome causes …
Flat cheeks, small head, low nasal bridge, small eye openings, short nose, thin upper lip, underdeveloped jaw, smooth philtrum and epicanthal (skin folds).
Children with FAS are at risk of death before birth, their nervous system development may also be harmed.
