Ichien C.

Somelhig SNED 2
1st year- BSNE-GSN

To know what possibly goes wrong during prenatal development, I will first explain the
prenatal development phases. Prenatal development has 3 phases: the germinal, embryonic
and fetal phase. In the germinal phase, it is when the egg cell and sperm cell unite in one of two
fallopian tubes to form a zygote. Basically, it is around 0–2 weeks of prenatal life after
fertilization. In the embryonic phase, it is the organ development where the embryo starts to
develop distinct cell layers, form the nervous system, make blood cells, and form many organs.
While in the fetal phase, the early body systems and structures established in the embryonic
stage continue to develop.

Congenital or inherited genetic material, as well as prenatal factors associated with

teratogens, are the biological causes of developmental disabilities. Teratogens are agents or
factors that contribute to embryonic malformation. This may produce physical or functional
defects in the human embryo or fetus after the pregnant woman is exposed to the toxic
substance, maternal disorders, or too much ingestion of smoke, alcohol, and drugs. Therefore,
in the embryonic phase, teratogens are hazardous because they affect the body parts of the
baby as they are forming and can result in the baby being born with a birth defect. In the fetal
stage What might possibly go wrong during this stage is that the fetus is still sensitive to trauma
that can result in the incidence of impairments or intentional pregnancy termination or abortion.
The same effects of teratogens can occur and disrupt normal development. For whatever
reasons, according to the department of health, rape, incest, and extramarital affairs can result
in disability, and low birth weight from malnutrition or an early delivery puts the child at risk for
developmental delays. Another crucial moment when there are significant hazards to the
pregnancy or newborn is during the birth process. The birth process is extremely complicated,
and things can go wrong at any time. These issues may result in developmental problems. The
first is bodily harm or mechanical injury. During birth, there is a risk of brain damage or other
negative effects on cognitive function. During this process, the doctor instructs the birth giver
how to give birth in a short period of time (less than two hours) with slow and smooth skull
molding because a bridge birth involving the buttocks could harm the brain.

According to some research, the majority of birth defects are caused by a complex
combination of factors. Genetics, chromosomal issues, and a lack of nutrients are cited as
examples. In genetics, one or more genes may have a change or mutation that prevents them
from functioning properly. In terms of chromosomal problems, it was explained that in some
cases, a chromosome or a portion of a chromosome may be missing. This is how Turner
syndrome unfolds itself. In other cases, such as Down syndrome, the child is born with an extra
chromosome. Lastly, lack of folic acid or not getting enough nutrients before and during
pregnancy is a key contributor to neural tube defects.
REFERENCES:
https://medlineplus.gov/birthdefects.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12230-birth-defects
https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/teratogens
https://kidsnewtocanada.ca/mental-health/prenatal-risk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBRIfruPE4k