Prenatal Human Development

Teratogens can harm an embryo. Most will not kill an embryo. However, any large quantity of teratogens like nicotine will

S: Page 134 is all about the embryonic period of pregnancy. The embryonic period lasts from week 3 to week 8, and it is a very important time because that is when the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm are being formed. The ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm will later for more important oragans and body structures.

Biological development of a fetus is vary rapid and complex over the nine-month period in the womb. When both the male spermatozoon and the female ovum combine it forms what is called a zygote which holds the twenty-three pairs of chromosomes. The zygote or the embryo undergoes cell division and makes its way to the uterine wall to implant itself, this process is completed about ten days after conception. By the end of the eighth week the organ systems have formed and human characteristics can start to be noticed. From the eighth week until birth the embryo is now labeled a fetus. Quickening can occur from the sixteenth week until birth, this is where the mother can feel the fetus moving. Around the twenty-second week viability can take place, this is where the fetus can survive outside the womb. The nine-month period of being pregnant is split into different trimesters. With the different trimesters there are different abortion procedures can be used to remove the fetus.

As a child is developing in the womb, its development can be affected at this time, for instance if the mother smokes or uses drugs or excessive

When an embryo becomes a fetus at eight weeks, it is approximately 3 centimeters; by the time the fetus is considered full-term, he or she may be 50 centimeters (Brisbane 60). The fetal stage, that takes place during week 9 to birth, result in a whole bunch of changes. (Brisbane 61). During the fetal stage, all parts of the body mature, and the overall of the baby size increases. Although all of the organ systems were formed during embryonic development, they continue to develop and grow during the fetal stage as well. During the third month, the reproductive system becomes developed and the sex of the baby becomes apparent (Staff). For girls, the ovarian follicles begin to form and for boys the prostate gland. Throughout months four through six, the heartbeat grows stronger and other body systems become further developed (Brisbane 63). Features such as fingernails, hair, eyelashes and toenails form. During the period from seven months until birth, the fetus continues to develop, put on weight, and prepare for life outside the womb (Brisbane 64). The lungs begin to expand and contract, preparing the muscles for breathing (Brisbane 64). The time in which the baby is born is a very critical. In some situations, a baby can be born as early as 7 months. When a baby is born too early, his ar her organs are not usually fully formed. This can result in many complications and health problems. Including, If premature pregnancy is the case, the baby would need some intensive care in hospitals. If the baby survives the stages, at the end of the nine month of pregnancy the baby will turn to a head-down position to prepare for birth. If the baby is not in the head-down position and in breech position a cesarean section may be required, which can cause many more complications. If a baby passes all these crucial factors, it is guaranteed to be born

Anything a mother consumes will affect her baby’s health, either positively or negatively. After the sperm enters into the egg, instantly, the baby begins to grow inside of the placenta, which is inside of the mothers’ uterus. “The placenta has been described as a pancake-shaped organ that attaches to the inside of the uterus and is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord.” As the placenta produces the hormones for the baby, it also supplies the blood to the fetus from the mother. The most important element that allows the fetus to grow is the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is composed of three blood vessels that attach to the placenta and the fetus. All of these components help the baby’s growth, but the amniotic sac, which is composed of amniotic fluid, helps protect the fetus. The amniotic fluid helps the baby maintain a regular body temperature that

A teratogen is any agent or factor that can disrupt the development of an embryo or fetus, which may cause a birth defect or malformation. Whether it is a medication, disease or drug, when the mother is exposed the chances of problems arising with the baby increase. Only ten to fourteen days after conception teratogens can affect the fetus. At that stage in the pregnancy the egg has already been fertilized and attached to the uterus. This is known as the embryonic stage where if health isn’t a priority complications can occur. At this point the mother and embryo share a common blood supply therefore anything the mother does affects the embryo. This is also the stage in which most miscarriages occur. There are numerous teratogens but two

It is imperative for a mother to take care of herself while pregnant. This will give the fetus a better chance at healthy developmental milestones. One way to achieve this is through a healthy diet which aids fetal brain development. Moreover, taking the supplemental vitamins recommended by the physician helps too. Finally, a mother should try to eliminate too much stress in her life while pregnant. This can have a negative impact on the pregnancy. This is what healthy development looks like during conception. At 3 months the baby is fully formed. The hands, arms, feet and toes are all present. Also, the bodily organs are present but need to mature more at this point. During the 3-6 month period is where the most rapid brain development takes place (Hutchison, 2013). This is the trimester where you begin to feel movement. At 6-9 months the baby continues to grow and mature to prepare for entry into the world.

Teratogens refers to any environmental agent, such as dose, heredity, negative influences and age that can cause damage during the prenatal period (Berk, 2014). Serious defects can occur during the embryonic period where the “ground work is laid for all body structures and organs” (Berk, 2014, p. 63). During the fetal period teratogens can do minimal damage; however, organs such as brain, eyes, ears, teeth and genitals can still be affected (Berk, 2014).

Physical development of the human begins at conception when the egg is fertilized by the sperm. Once the ovum is fertilized, the process of mitosis begins, allowing the cells to split and form the human being. Through this process, each parent contributes 23 chromosomes, which are present in every cell of our bodies, and are made up of DNA and genes (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). The genes that we inherit from our parents determine our physical features, such as hair and eye color, and height. Furthermore, the combination of various genes within the body at the time of conception may result in the individual carrying unexpected traits and illnesses (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015).

    According to parents.com, after conception, a fetus begins to develop rather quickly. In the fifth week of pregnancy, a baby’s heart begins to beat. A baby also develops three distinct layers, ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. These three layers will eventually form the body systems that are necessary

Human development research refers to pregnancy loss in young and older women. The embryonic stem cell can be used to determine developmental issues that can arise during pregnancy. For instance, genes are known to be turned on and off during development (Stem Cell Information, 2015). When this is done at the wrong time it can lead to abnormal growth

First trimester: By 12 weeks of pregnancy the foetus will be fully formed. The ovum grows and develops certain important parts of the baby’s body such as spinal cord, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, heart and lungs in the first four weeks from conception. The heart starts beating and brain and other organs forms by eight weeks. At this stage, the face is formed and arms and legs start to move. The baby grows to 3 inches long and

The prenatal period takes place in the first two weeks of conception. Heredity and environmental influences (which are often negative) are also developed during this stage. At this stage the organism is more susceptible to these influences, than during any other period. Infancy is the next stage, various changes start to occur and attachments start to form. Coordination, sensory and motor skills start to develop, as well as the expression of

The fetal stage is the stage in which is marked by rapid growth and preparation