Stages and Processes of Human Prenatal Development
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this article is to highlight the biological processes that drive embryonic development. It will be mainly focused on stages of prenatal development at the semi-cellular level that result in visible advances in the embryo’s development as it matures into a fetus and eventually is born. However, these biological processes are not flawless; in some cases, infections, risk factors present in the environment outside of the uterus, or genetic diseases can pose harm by altering how developmental processes proceed or even result in lethality to the fetus. Genetic diseases and illnesses of high concern will thus be discussed in greater detail, as will proposals to prevent or lower the risk of these events from affecting development.
PRENATAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
Development of the embryo into a fetus throughout pregnancy consists of three main periods of development, made up of several weeks of development between each one; these are referred to commonly and by medical professionals as the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Following conception, the embryonic stage of prenatal development begins through the fifth week of pregnancy in which major structures begin to form. At this stage, the cells of the body begin to differentiate into cells that are specialized in unique functions such as blood, kidney, and nerve cells for their corresponding organ systems (Hill, 2016). According to Sacks
1. From birth to 19 years of age, children and young people tend to follow a broad developmental plan. Although children and young people are different, the way they grow and develop is often quite similar. This means we can work out a pattern for development and from this we can pinpoint particular skills or milestones that most children can do at different age ranges. Milestones describe when particular skills are achieved, such as walking, usually achieved by 18 months. These milestones have been draw up by researchers looking at children’s development and working out an average from their recordings. However as children grow older the variations between individuals grow
At one month of pregnancy the baby is still any embryo and it is made up of two layers which will soon produce into body parts and organs. In the first two weeks of pregnancy a women isn’t actually pregnant because the women’s body is preparing for ovulation as usual. You usually ovulate (release an egg) around two weeks after the first day of your period this depends on the length of your period. Then during the third week after the first day of your last period your fertilised egg moves across the fallopian tube towards the womb. The egg starts off as a single cell but it divides multiple times. By the time the egg reaches the womb it becomes the mass of 100 cells which is known as an embryo. In the fourth week of pregnancy the embryo grows and develops in the lining of the womb. The outer cells reach out and link themselves with the mothers blood supply. The inner cells form
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
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.
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
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.
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).
The first trimester consists of all embryonic development and the primary month of fetal development. By the end of the third month (end of 1st trimester), the cartilage skeleton is beginning to ossify, the kidneys as well as liver are operating, teeth have formed, and determination of whether male or female can be concluded. In contrast, in the third trimester they eyes open and shut, the sucking reply evolves (numerous fetuses initiate to suck their thumbs or other fingers), and loud noses begin a startle response. The lanugo is vanished, and a layer of protective fat initiates to develop.
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
Important stages of pregnancy: Pregnancy is counted from the first day of the mother 's last period. Important development immediately takes place after fertilisation of egg and sperm cells. It divides into many cells in the first week, which forms a zygote made out of 100 to 150 cells that are already differentiating. In the second week, the zygote is then changed to an embryo and it sticks to the uterine wall. This process takes up to nine months to form and develop a baby.
Prenatal care is medical care for pregnant woman and is important for a healthy pregnancy. Its key components include regular checkups and prenatal testing, eating healthfully, exercising, and beginning as soon as one knows she is pregnant.
The fetal stage is the stage in which is marked by rapid growth and preparation
Prenatal care is widely accepted as an important element in improving pregnancy outcome. (Gorrie, McKinney, Murray, 1998). Prenatal care is defined as care of a pregnant woman during the time in the maternity cycle that begins with conception and ends with the onset of labor. A medical, surgical, gynecologic, obstretic, social and family history is taken (Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, 1998). It is important for a pregnant woman as well as our society to know that everything that you do has an effect on your baby. Because so many women opt not to receive the benefits of prenatal care, our society sees the ramification, which include a variety of complications primarily