Module 2 Overview

Topic
Infancy

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize developmental milestones during prenatal and infancy stages

2. Discuss and give examples of cognitive, emotional and social factors related
to prenatal and infancy stages
3. Explain psychological, social, or physical factors that may influence
development during infancy
4. Demonstrate the ways the influential theories explain development during
infancy
5. Identify factors pertaining to prenatal and infancy stages
6. Recognize and recall the research methods traditionally utilized in life-span
development
To Do:

1. Knowledge Check
2. Still Face Experiment Discussion
3. Module 2 Quiz

The period of prenatal development starts with fertilization and ends at birth.
It lasts about 266 days and is divided into three periods: germinal, embryonic,
and fetal.

The germinal period of prenatal development takes place during the first two
weeks after conception. It includes the creation of the fertilized egg or zygote,
cell division, and the attachment of the multicellular organism to the uterine
wall. Through a process of mitosis rapid cell division occurs. The
differentiation of cells has already begun one week after conception. The
organism is now called a blastocyst that will develop into the embryo. During
 the second week after conception implantation occurs. Implantation is the
embedding of the blastocyst in the uterine wall.

The embryonic period is the period of prenatal development that occurs from
two to eight weeks after conception. During this time, the rate of cell
differentiation intensifies, the support system for cells form, and organs
develop. The embryo forms three layers of cells: the endoderm, ectoderm,
and mesoderm. The endoderm is the inner layer of cells that develops into
the digestive and respiratory systems. The ectoderm is the outermost layer
that will become the nervous system, sensory receptors, and skin parts. The
mesoderm is the middle layer and it will become the circulatory system,
bones, muscles, excretory system, and reproductive system. Organogenesis
is the process of organ formation that occurs during the first two months of
prenatal development.

The life-support system for the embryo is also developing rapidly during this
time. This system includes:

1. Amnion - contains the clear fluid in which the developing embryo floats
2. Umbilical cord - typically contains two arteries and one vein and connects the
baby to the placenta
3. Placenta - disk-shaped group of tissues in which small blood vessels from the
mother and the offspring intertwine

The fetal period lasts about seven months. It is the period that extends
from two months after conception until birth. Three months after conception
the fetus has become more active and in most cases, the genitals can be
identified as male or female. By the end of the fourth month, a growth spurt
occurs in the lower parts of the body and the mother can feel arm and leg
movements. By the end of the fifth month, structures of the skin have
formed, and the fetus is more active. As early as six months of pregnancy
the fetus is viable or has a chance of surviving outside of the womb. Infants
born between 24 and 37 weeks of pregnancy typically need help breathing
because their lungs are not fully developed. During the last two months of
pregnancy, fatty tissues develop, and the functioning of organ systems
steps up. The fetus also grows in both height and weight. The average
American baby weighs 7.5 pounds and is 20inches long at birth.
 Teratology
Teratogen is any agent that can potentially cause a birth defect or negatively
alter cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The field of study that looks at the
causes of birth defects is called teratology. Teratogens include drugs,
incompatible blood types, environmental pollutants, maternal stress, and
advanced maternal and paternal ages. The severity of the damage and the
type of defect is influenced by:

1. Dose - the greater the dose of an agent, the greater the effect.
2. Genetic susceptibility - the genotype of the pregnant woman and the
genotype of the embryo
3. Time of exposure - teratogens can do more damage when they occur at
some points in development versus others

Prescription drugs such as some antibiotics and antidepressants can function

as teratogens. Psychoactive drugs that act on the nervous system and
change states of consciousness, modify perceptions, and change moods are
also teratogens. Legal examples include caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine and
illegal examples include cocaine, marijuana, and heroin.

Birth

The process of birth occurs in three stages.

The first stage is the longest. It starts with uterine contractions that are 15 to
20 minutes apart and last about one minute. As the stage progresses, the
contractions come closer and closer together and the intensity increases. At
the end of the first stage, contractions dilate the cervix to about 10
centimeters.

The second stage of birth begins when the baby’s head starts to move
through the cervix and birth canal. This stage ends when the baby completely
emerges from the mother’s body.
This stage lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
The third stage is the afterbirth. During this stage, the placenta, umbilical cord,
and other membranes are detached and expelled. This is the shortest stage
as it lasts only minutes.