Prenatal

Physical Development

One physical developmental milestones that typically developing fetus should attain during this

period of development happens during the first trimester between weeks 5-8, the external body starts to

form which include the face, arms, legs, toes and fingers (Berk, 2013, sec. 3.3). Another physical

developmental milestone that a developing fetus grows more than five pounds in weight and seven inches

in height during the final trimester before birth.

(Berk, 2013)
Language Development

Two language developmental milestones that typically developing fetus should achieve in this

period of development is during the 20th week the fetus can be stimulated and irritated by sounds (Berk,

2013). The fetus can also distinguish the different languages they hear and absorb their native language

while still in their mother’s womb (McElroy, 2013).

Cognitive Development

Two cognitive developmental milestones that typically developing fetus should achieve in this period of

development is during the second trimester between 13-24 weeks the fetus brain’s neurons are in place

and it reacts to sound during this time. The brain continues to grow rapidly. (Berk, 2013, sec. 3.3)

(Berk 2013)

Social Emotional Development

The impact of Mother’s voice can have an emotional connection with the baby before being born.

Also calm lullaby or classical music can calm a very active baby in the stomach.

Atypical Development

One sign that may signal atypical development during this period is the development of a fetus is that

the mother could experience a condition which could result in preterm labor. The embryonic stage begins

after implantation and lasts until eight weeks after conception (Berk, 2013). During week 3 the brain, heart,

blood cells, circulatory system, spinal cord and digestive system starts. #his time is extremely critical.
Family Strategy

One strategy that families can use to influence their children’s learning and development during this

period of development is to read to the fetus and continue reading after they are born.

Cultural Influences

Cultural practices may happen during pregnancy. One example is that Hawaiian people do not wear

anything around their necks such as necklaces or leis unless it stays open because of the fear that if they

wear it the unborn baby’s umbilical cord will wrap around their neck. Each culture has their beliefs that they

follow as a cultural tradition to stay healthy and deliver a healthy baby.