Prenatal Development

- It is the process of growth and development in the womb in which a single-cell zygote becomes
an embryo, a fetus, and then a child.
- Simple cell multiplication concerns the first two weeks of growth. This small mass of cells then
adheres to the uterus’ inner wall. The next three weeks, as the cell mass splits into distinct
primitive structures, see intense cell differentiation. The embryo took on a approximately
human form at the end of eight weeks and is called a fetus. The primitive circulatory, nervous,
pulmonary and the other systems of the fetus will mature for the next twenty weeks, and it will
begin to move its limbs. Fat starts to accumulate under the skin at 28 weeks, toenails and
fingernails appear, nad body and scalp sprout downy hair. The fetus may periodically open their
eyes. The fetus remains to gain weight for the remaining weeks of growth, and its inner
structures are reaching complete gowth.
Stages of Prenatal Development
Germinal Stage
- begins at conception when the sperm and egg cell unite in one of the two fallopian
tubes. 
Embryonic Stage
- The embryonic stage plays an important role in the development of the brain. 
- The embryo begins to divide into three layers each of which will become an important body
system.
- The neural tube begins to form along an area known as the neural plate. 
Fetal Stage
- The fetal period of prenatal develop marks more important changes in the brain
- begins during the ninth week and lasts until birth.
- It is at this point in prenatal development that the neural tube develops into the brain
and spinal cord and neurons continue to form.
- Synapses, or the connections between neurons, also begin to develop.

Prenatal Care
 - also known as antenatal care, is a type of preventive health care. Its goal is to provide regular
check-ups that allow doctors or midwives to treat and prevent potential health problems
throughout the course of the pregnancy and to promote healthy lifestyles that benefit both
mother and child.

Nutrition

- A balanced diet is important. It must have proteins, vitamins, and minerals. When a pregnant
woman does not provide these nourishment’s, the infant is likely to be born prematurely and
tend to be underweight.

Age

- The mother’s age can affect prenatal development. Teen mother’s are at risk of miscarriages.
Women who are between 20 and 35 are healthy and have been better health care. However,
women above 35 are more likely to experience difficulties in pregnancy and highly susceptible to
miscarriage.

Rest and Exercise

- Chronic stress and inability to rest, exercise, and eat properly can weaken a pregnant woman’s
immune syste.
-
- Drugs, illness, and environmental hazards
a.) Ingesting substances like alcohol, aspirin, caffeine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or nicotine
could contribute to mental retardation, fetal alcohol syndrome, and cognitive impairement
in the infant.
b.) Diseases like veneral disease, AIDS, and German meales, can lead to neurogical disorders,
encephalitis, deafness, or blindness in the infant.
c.) Exposure to hazards like lead, mercury, and x-ray,can cause mental retardatiom, cerebral
palsy, or leukemia in infant

Postnatal Development
 -  begins immediately after the birth of a child as the mother's body, including hormone levels
and uterus size, returns to a non-pregnant state.

Prehension

- Refers to grasping object ( palmar grasping )

Language Development

- Infants begin life with no language other than cries and grunts.
- Babies learn to say their first word at about one year.
Postnatal Care
- Postnatal care (PNC) is the care given to the mother and her newborn baby immediately after
the birth and for the first six weeks of life
Importance of Postnatal Care
- effective postnatal care can make the most difference to the health and life chances of mothers
and newborns is in the early neonatal period
- To avoid neonatal death