College of Business, Education & Healthcare

Tel: (876)625-2753/421-5979/314-8815
www.southeastcollegeinfo.com

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

UNIT: DEMONSTRATE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Name: Shantell Thompson-O’Connor Date: 31/05/22

Email: Shantellthompson67@gmail.com

QUESTIONS
Answer all questions:

1. Define prenatal development? .

Answer

Prenatal development is where one sperm enters an egg, both fuse together
forming a zygote. (2MARKS)

2. What is meant by the term implantation?

Answer

This is when the zygote moves down the fallopian tube and then sinks into the
wall of the uterus lining. (2 MARKS)
3. Describe the events of pregnancy and development. (6 MARKS)

Answer

 It starts at conception, when the female egg is fertilized by the male

sperm, at this stage a zygote is formed.
 This takes place in the fallopian tube.
 Over the next few days, the zygote will travel towards the uterus where
it will become implanted.
 After there will be a complex process of fetal development.

4. Explain the importance of the placenta

Answer

This is the most important factor in the growth and developments of the fetus.

It forms a link between the body of mother and the fetus and prevents the
mother’s blood from mixing with the baby’s blood.

(5 MARKS)

5. State what is meant by the gestation period?

Answer

The gestation period is from pregnancy to birth and said to last for 40 weeks.
(2 MARKS)
6. Explain how the gestation period is calculated.
Answer
The gestation period is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual
cycle. However, the baby can be born 2 weeks before or after this period.
(2 MARKS)

7. Discuss the importance of prenatal care?

Answer

Prenatal health care is concerned not only with the health of the mother but
also with the health of the foetus. The use of prenatal care services over the
years has shown improved birth weights and improved newborn health.
Inadequate care may result in low birth weight, deformities, premature birth,
health conditions or even death to both mother and unborn child. (5
MARKS)

8. Explain how the sex of the fetus is determined.

Answer

Sperms have either an X or Y chromosome. Female eggs have only an

X chromosome. When a sperm with an X chromosome fertilizes an egg
(X chromosome), the baby will be a girl (XX). When a sperm with a Y
chromosome fertilizes an egg, the baby will be a boy (XY).The father
determines the sex of the child. This is because he has the Y chromosome.
(2 MARKS)
9. Explain how the Apgar Scale works.

Answer

 A rating of 0-2 is made on characteristics such as appearance,

breathing, reflex, heart rate, colour and a lungs test. It is usually done 5
minutes after birth.
 If the total Apgar score is 7 or more this indicates that the infant is in
excellent physical health.
 If the score is between 4-6 it means the infant requires help in
breathing, and other vital signs, such as temperature, weight, blood
pressure etc
 If the score is below 3 the infant is in serious dangers and requires
emergency medical attention.
(5 MARKS)

10. Describe the three(3) stages of birth.

Answer

Stage 1 - Dilation of the cervix

This is when the uterus contracts, which gradually becomes more frequent
and powerful causing the cervix to open, forming a clear path to the birth
canal.

Stage 2 – Delivery of the baby

This is when the mother feels a natural urge to squeeze and push with each
contraction forcing the baby down the birth canal and this is when the head
appears. The rest of the body is then pushed out.

Stage 3 – Delivery of the placenta

The mother will feel final contractions and push the placenta which is
separated from the wall of the uterus and is delivered.

(6 MARKS)
11. State two ( 2) reasons why a C-section may be necessary.

Answer

Two reason why C-Section is necessary are: (4 MARKS)

 The baby is too big to pass through the cervix

 The baby is in distress

12. State five (5) domains of Early Childhood Development.

Answer

These are:

 Social
 Emotional
 Cognitive
 Language
 Physical (5 MARKS)

13. State two (2) factors contributing to negative self-development.

Answer

Two factors are:

 Children are often criticized and punished

 Children are not allowed to express themselves (2 MARKS)
14. How can you as an EC caregiver help children develop a positive self-concept

Answer

As an EC care giver, giving each child the adequate attention is necessary. In

terms of praising a child for performing or for the effort. Motivating and
encourage children. Allowing them to express themselves freely and
rewarding them for their effort.

(5 MARKS)

15. State two differences between fraternal and identical twins.

Answer

Two differences are:

Fraternal Twins

 This is when 2 eggs are fertilized by 2 sperm

 Fetus are in separate placentas

Identical Twins

 This is when a fertilized egg divides into 2 and grow separate fetus
 Fetus are in the same placenta

(4 MARKS)