Chapter 4

Prenatal Development and Birth:

A Brief Overview
Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-1

CHAPTER MODULES

4.1 From Conception to Birth 4.2 Influences on Prenatal Development 4.3 Happy Birthday! (postpartum depression)

Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-2

Module 4.2: Influences on Prenatal Development

Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-3

General Risk Factors

Nutrition -Folic acid and spina bifida. Stress -Workplace stress. Mothers Age - neither too young, nor too old.
Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-4

Teratogens: Diseases, Drugs, and Environmental Hazards

Thalidomide (http://www.thalidomide.ca). Diseases attack the fetus. Dangerous drugs include alcohol and caffeine. -Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) Environmental hazards are treacherous because were often unaware of their presence.

Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-5

Teratogens: Diseases, Drugs, and Environmental Hazards

Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-6

Teratogens: Diseases, Drugs, and Environmental Hazards

Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-7

Teratogens: Diseases, Drugs, and Environmental Hazards

Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-8

How Teratogens Influence Prenatal Development

The impact of a teratogen depends upon the genotype of the child. The impact of teratogens changes over the course of prenatal development. Each teratogen affects a specific aspect (or specific aspects) of prenatal development. Damage from teratogens is not always evident at birth but can appear later in life.
Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-9

Effects of Teratogens

Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-10

Module 4.3 Happy Birthday!

Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-11

An Important Note about Postpartum Depression

Half of all new moms feel some irritation, resentment, and crying. 10-15% feel more severe postpartum depression. Postpartum depression affects warmth and enthusiasm of mothering.
Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc.

4-12

 All new mothers need support from family and friends. Postpartum depression must be treated. Children of depressed mothers are at an increased risk of developing depression and behavioural problems.
Copyright 2012 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-13