Prenatal

Conception to birth

Physical Development
o Physiological
structures like the
heart, muscles and
digestive tract
develop during the
first trimester
o Fetus’ limbs are
developed by the
third trimester and
they begin to move
and kick

Cognitive Development
o Fetus develops senses
o Brain develops during the third trimester

Language Development
o Fetus begins to hear external sounds at 20
weeks
o Baby can recognize mother’s voice

Sign of atypical development

Ø Heart beat is not audible at the end of the first
trimester
Ø No movement from the fetus is felt during the third trimester (26-40 weeks) is
a sign that something could be wrong with the fetus’ development

What social factor(s) influence development?

⇒ The socialization of the mother affects the baby. If mother is socialized to drink
vitamins she will do so, if she is socialized to take a lot of rest she will do so.
Everything the mother does affects the fetus.

How does culture influence development?

♦ How much work the mother does during pregnancy vary by culture, some
woman have to work up until labor. Mothers who have to work hard are
weaker, affecting the fetus’ development.

What can families do to influence their child’s development?

Playing soft music helps to enhance cognitive and language development
Talking to the fetus will enhance development