PRENATAL

Physical Milestone 1. Between weeks 5-8 the embryo will begin to develop a primitive brain, spinal cord, heart, muscles, ribs, backbone, digestive tract, face, arms, legs, toes, fingers and internal organs. The embryo has the ability to move. 2. Between weeks 13-24 the fetus can hear and see. Language Milestone 1. At 30 weeks, fetuses presented with a repeated auditory stimulus against the mothers abdomen initially react with a rise in heart rate and body movements. 2. Between weeks 30-38 fetuses distinguish the tone and rhythm of different voices and sounds. Cognitive Milestone 1. During the 11th week the brain and muscles of the fetus are better connected. The fetus can kick, bend its arms, and open and close its hands and mouth. 2. At 20 weeks the fetus brain cannot yet control its breathing or body temperature. Atypical Development 1. Little or no movement from the fetus may signal atypical development. 2. Poor weight gain of the fetus may signal atypical development. Social/Cultural Influences 1. Mothers who have little to no prenatal care, possibly because of lack of health care, are at a higher risk of having birth problems. 2. Women who give birth in locations, possibly due to cultural beliefs, other than a hospital risk complications during delivery. Influential Strategies 1. Mothers should seek professional support if emotional stressed such as a psychologist or therapist. 2. Mothers should eat healthy for example, adding fruits and vegetables to her diet, reducing consumption of sea food (fish, shrimp, crab etc.) Exercise on a regular basis. 3. Mothers should refrain from exposing fetus to harmful substances or environmental agents such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, radiation, lead and mercury.
References Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Harm-Gerd Blaas, Eik-Nex, S., Berg, S., & Torp, H. (1998). In-vivo three-dimensional ultrasound reconstructions of embryos and early fetuses. The Lancet, 352(9135), 1182-6. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/199043479?accountid=32521 Rados, C. (2004, Jan). FDA cautions against ultrasound 'keepsake' images. FDA Consumer, 38, 12-6. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/227044985?accountid=32521