Pre Natal Development

The First Trimester: 2 -12 weeks

2 week you have cell division embryo divides into 16 cells

3-8 weeks placenta ,chorionic sac amniotic fluid and

umbilical cord all structure needed for developing embryo

Is less than 1inch
Weighs 1 to 2 ounces
Baby gender can be determined sex organs are developing
and arm, legs and toes can be seen and moveable

The Second Trimester: 16 24 weeks

starts to weigh 5 pds

May suck thumb
Mother
begins
to

feel

movement
Eyes are

but

eyelashes.
Grasping reflex develops

still

closed

The Third Trimester: 28 36 weeks

starts developing a pattern of sleeping and waking

weighs 5-6 pds
Moves into position to prepare for birth (head down)
Filters out harmful substances but dugs can get through the
filtering system in the placenta

Promoting Healthy Fetal Development

Prenatal Care- is critical in order for the baby to develop healthy. 80% pregnant women receive prenatal care but
those who are living in poverty this is hard. Medical complications and pre term births are associated with the lack
of prenatal care. Poverty may limit a mothers access to medical care due to the fact that she doesnt understand the
importance (Buckner-Brown et al., 2011). Other factors that may inhibit this are language barriers, culture beliefs
may differ ( Debiec et al., 2010). Nutrition- sure you consume a healthy diet lessens the risk of premature infants.
Weight- how much weight should you gain? 25-35 pds. By following a nutrious diet with help you with optimum
weight gain
Threats to Fetal Development

Consuming Alcohol
Smoking while pregnant
Drugs that are addictive (cocaine, amphetamines etc.)
Pesticides
Chemicals that are hazardous
X-rays (radiation)
Infections ( Chickenpox, Syphilis,)

Pregnancy is approximately nine months. The mother age, health, diet all play a part on how the fetus develops. If
exposed to environmental factors known as teratogens like alcohol can affect the development of the fetus. To
improve chances of a healthy pregnancy prenatal care is essential.