Periods of Development 1

Periods of Development
Prenatal Fact Sheet

Our human bodies are like most animals, because they develop from a single cell produced by
the combination of the male and female gamete or sex cell. This union is the beginning of the
prenatal period that consists of three distinct stages. The final stage of the prenatal period is
called parturition and is followed by a long postnatal period.

At this stage of a fetuss development change is occurring at an alarming rate and it occurs in
three trimesters.

Within the first trimester in the week five through eighth week the

embryos eyes, legs, arms, face, toes, fingers and internal organs form. The embryo can now
move and the sense of touch has begun to develop. (www.cdc.gov)

The embryo become a

fetus from the weeks nine to birth and during this phase the fetus continues to grow at an
astronomical rate. By the fruition of the thirty-eighth week the fetus should have a good
chance of surviving. The Lungs are now fully matured and the infant should be able to
breathe on its own.

Fetuses are able to memorize sounds from the external world by the last trimester of
pregnancy, with a particular sensitivity to melody contour in both music and language, earlier
studies particular sensitivity showed. (Sciencedaily.com) I remember when I was pregnant
with my oldest child I use to play music regularly. I noticed that my unborn baby responded
to Jazz fusion music more readily than rock. I realized later that that music was similar to
my own voice deep and full of melody.

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Fetuses can recognize their parents voices from inside the womb and they are more active or
less active depending on what type of music the fetus is exposed to.

Bear in mind that what you put into your body not only affects you, but it affects your unborn
baby as well. Exposure to drugs will harm your unborn babys brain development so inform
your obstetrician every time you want to take medication.

Any signs of severe cramping or bleeding should be not ignored notify your pediatrician
immediately.

Get books on prenatal development and read them.

Www.Cdc.Gov
Www.Sciencedaily.com

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