Prenatal developmen

t &Newborns

PowerPoint by: Monique Johnson

Prenatal development • The prenatal development consists of

three trimesters • First trimester • Month 1• Month 2• Month 3

1st Trimester• 4 Weeks

• the neural tube (which becomes the brain and spinal cord), the digestive system, and the heart and circulatory system begin to form

• the beginnings of the eyes and ears are developing

• tiny limb buds appear (which will develop into arms and legs)

• the heart is beating

• 8 Weeks• circulatory, nervous,

digestive, and urinary systems are developed

• Becoming more human shaped, but the head is larger than the body

• the mouth is developing tooth buds (which will become baby teeth)

• the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears becomes more defined

• The main organs are developing and can hear the baby’s heartbeat.

• After 8 weeks, the embryo is now referred to as a fetus Although the fetus is only 1 to 1 1/2 inches long at this point, all major organs and systems have been formed.

• the arms and legs are clearly visible.

9-12 weeks• external genital organs

are developed• fingernails and toenails

appear• eyelids are formed • fetal movement increases • the arms and legs are fully

formed• the voice box (larynx)

begins to form in the trachea

• Even though the organs and body systems are fully formed by the end of 12 weeks, the fetus cannot survive independently.

Prenatal development cont’d

• Second trimester• Month 4• Month 5• Month 6

2nd Trimester• The weight of the fetus will

increase and fetus becomes a baby• At end of second trimester, around

6th month, the fetus will be about 13 to 16 inches long and weighs about 2 to 3 pounds.

• The fetus kicks, moves, and can turn from side to side.

• The eyes moved to front of the face and the ears moved to side of face

• The fetus is developing reflexes such as swallowing and sucking.

• The fetus can respond to certain stimuli.

• The placenta is fully developed.• The brain will undergo its most

important period of growth from the 5th month on.

• Fingernails on fingers and toes are grown and the fingers and toes are fully separated.

• The fetus goes through sleep cycle• Skin is wrinkly and red, covered

with soft, downy hair (called lanugo).

• Hair is growing on the head of the fetus.

• Fat begins to form on the fetus.• Eyelids are beginning to open

and the eyebrows and eyelashes are visible.

• Fingerprints and toeprints have formed.

• Rapid growth is continuing in fetal size and weight.

Prenatal development cont’d

• Third trimester • Month 7• Month 8• Month 9

3rd Trimester• the fetus continues to grow in

size and weight.

• The lungs are still maturing

• The moves to head-down position.

• The fetus is about 19 to 21 inches long and weighs, on average, six to nine pounds.

• The fetus can see and hear.

• The brain continues to develop.

• The bones of the skull remain soft to make it easier to pass through the birth canal.

• Most babies are born with the irises of the eyes as slate blue. The permanent eye color will not appear until several days or weeks after birth.

• The fetus can suck its thumb and has the ability to cry.

• By 38 to 40 weeks, the fetus' lanugo has disappeared almost completely.

• By 38 to 40 weeks, the lungs have matured completely.

Newborn reflexes • Babinski reflex- the toes move when the sole of the

feet is touched • Moro reflex- the baby moves arms and legs and cry

due to loud noises• Rooting reflex- the head will move when the cheek

is touched • Sucking reflex- will automatically happen when a

finger or nipple is in the mouth.• Grasping reflex- the newborn will grab anything that

is put in their hands.

Influences • The fetus is most vulnerable during the first

12 weeks. During this period of time, all of the major organs and body systems are forming and can be damaged if the fetus is exposed to drugs, German measles, radiation, tobacco, and chemical and toxic substances.

• The environment has a huge impact on how the baby is developed due to the substance called teratogens it can cause birth defects and death during the prenatal development.

Influences • Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and etc. can

also have a negative impact on the fetus.

• Alcohol is the most common impact on the fetus and it causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

• Every year 10,000 children are diagnosed with FAS.

Cites • http://www.mccc.edu/~jenningh/Courses/

documents/lecture13-teratogens_infancy_attachment-fulltext_000.pdf

• http://www.babies.sutterhealth.org/babygrowth/fetaldev/bg_fetaldev-1.html

• http://media-3.web.britannica.com/eb-media/67/95267-004-55C66AFB.jpg

• Psychology textbook• http://ff.graspnet.com/

fetal_development_facts_three_trimesters.aspx)