Prenatal Physical Development Milestones

The prenatal period is divided into three stages of development. The first being the germinal
stage, which encompasses the first two weeks, after conception. After the sperm fertilizes the
egg, a structure called the zygote is formed. The zygote begins as one cell, that continues to
divide and multiply, billions of times until birth in a process called mitosis (Lumen Learning,
n.d.). According to Lumen Learning (n.d.), the dividing cells form different organs and body
parts.
The second stage of development is the embryonic stage, which covers weeks 3 – 8. During this
period, the zygote implants itself in the wall of the uterus, forming the embryo. Growing blood
vessels will now form the placenta, which provides nourishment and oxygen from the mother to
the embryo, through the umbilical cord. The nourishing embryo begins to have a heartbeat and
other functioning organs are developed, along with the head, chest and abdomen. As the embryo
begins to transition to the final stage, the spinal cord and brain are formed by a neural tube that
extends down the back (Lumen Learning, n.d.).
The final stage of prenatal development, weeks 9 – 40 are considered the fetal stage. During this
stage, the fetus continues to grow and develop. Sex organs develop during weeks 9 – 12. By
week 16 the fetus has fingers and toes. At 24 weeks, the fetus can hear and respond to sound. A
fetus born prematurely at this stage, can survive outside the mother’s womb, because the internal
organs have developed sufficiently. The brain also continues to grow and develop during this
stage, almost doubling in size and the fetus can weigh at least six pounds (Herr, 2004).
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Prenatal Language Development Milestones

Although there is no evidence of spoken language during the prenatal period, research does show
that infants remember and can distinguish the in utero sounds heard, such as their mother’s voice
and children’s stories (May, Byers, & Werker, 2011). According to May, Byers, & Werker
(2011), the neural responses of low pass filtered language heard by infants, ranging in age from 0
– 3 days old, was utilized for this study.
Prenatal Cognitive Development Milestones
As early as 24 weeks, the fetus can hear and respond to sounds, according to Herr (2004). May,
Byers, & Werker (2011), also share their research about infants remembering and distinguishing
familiar sounds before birth. Infants recognize their mother’s voice and other familiar sounds
they have heard prior to birth.
Prenatal Sign of aTypical Development
Preterm birth due to medical conditions, such as preeclampsia can signal atypical development.
Organ dysfunction in an infant can be a result of the mother experiencing high blood pressure,
swelling and protein in the urine, which are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia (Berk,
2013). Mothers who develop preeclampsia are usually forced to deliver preterm babies who are
under weight and under developed. To ensure healthy births and deliveries, mothers are
encouraged to attend every prenatal appointment and report any changes to their obstetrician
immediately.
Prenatal Strategy to Influence Learning and Development
As mentioned above, the fetus can hear sounds and remember them prior to birth. They are also
able to relate to songs and stories they have heard. The mother can read stories, sing songs, and
talk to the fetus. Each of these has been proven to stimulate the brain when repeated a few days
after birth.