Prenatal development Flashcards
zygote
The fertilized egg.
endoderm
The inner layer of the embryo, which becomes the lungs and the digestive system.
implantation
The process in which the zygote burrows into the uterine wall and establishes connections with the mother’s blood vessels.
placenta
The structure through which nutrients and wastes are exchanged between the mother and the developing child.
embryo
The name given to the developing baby after the zygote is completely embedded in the uterine wall.
ectoderm
The outer layer of the embryo, which becomes the hair, outer layer of skin, and nervous system.
mesoderm
The middle layer of the embryo, which will become the muscles, bones, and circulatory system.
amniotic sac
An inner sac in which the developing child will rest.
amniotic fluid
Fluid in the amnion that cushions the embryo and maintains a constant temperature.
umbilical cord
A structure containing veins and arteries that connects the developing child to the placenta.
Fetus
an unborn offspring of a mammal, in particular an unborn human baby more than eight weeks after conception
cell division
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cell migration
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cell differentiation
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cell death
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teratogens…Why is the timing of exposure to teratogens during pregnancy critical?
- An agent that causes abnormal prenatal development.
- tell us about nature and nurture interaction in the womb
What are the legal drugs that cause by far the most havoc for fetal development?*
- alcohol
- aspirin
- caffeine
- marijuana
- accutane
- nicotine
Which teratogen is responsible for FAS? What are the effects?
- alcohol
- cause: FAS disorder (small head, thin upper lip, eyes wide apart), cognitive deficits, retarded growth
Do all illegal drugs affect unborn children in the same way? (Compare marijuana and cocaine)*
- marijuana: lower birth weight; less motor control
- cocaine: retarded growth; irritability in newborns
How might environmental pollutants harm an unborn infant? *
- air pollutants: low birth weight, premature brith, lower test scores
- lead: development disabilities
- mercury: retarded growth, cerebral palsy
- PCBs: impaired memory and verbal skills
What do studies examining effects of famine tell us about how nutrition during pregnancy affects prenatal development
- malnutrition can harm fetal growth & brain development. Can also cause obesity and diabetes later
- famine increases rates of stillbirth, malformations, lower birthrates, early death
What is the effect of chronic maternal stress? What do studies of such as Project Ice Storm Tell us about the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on the child?
- Stress is associated with premature birth and small birth weight
- Stress during pregnancy associated with poor outcomes
- Attention problems
- Weakening of immune systems
-methylation higher in children who’s mother experienced severe stress while pregnant
How was baby Elizabeth’s treatment different from other premature babies?
-she was a premature baby who was put in a nursery “resembling” a womb
What was her outcome? And how does this inform our understanding of brain maturation?
-2 weeks after discharge: independent feeding, better weight gain, improved neurobehavioral outcome, shorter periods of time in the hospital
What evidence is there that fetal learning occurs in the womb? (hint: discuss the research of DeCasper & Spence (1986))
babies can recognize stories read to them while in the womb
How did DeCasper & Spence measure memory after birth?
- mothers read cat in the hat while pregnant
- once babies were born they would read cat in the hat or a new story
- found babies suck on pacifier more when read cat in the hat and less when read a new story.
what are the risks associated with teenage motherhood?*
- greater risk to give birth early
- give birth to babies low in birth weight
- poor prenatal care sometimes
- babies do less well in school & have more behavioral problems
What are the risk factors associated with pregnancy and childbirth at older ages?*
- risks of miscarriage and stillbirth increase rapidly
- higher chances of Down syndrome
- low birth weight
What are the main challenges to adjusting to parenthood?*
- physical changes
- psychologically
- baby blues
- postpartum depression
What are the main newborn states?*
- State 1: deep sleep
- State 2: light sleep
- State 3: drowsiness
- State 4: quiet alert
- State 5: active alert
- State 6: crying
