Development of the

learners at various
stages
PRE – NATAL PERIOD

PRESENTED BY GROUP 1
Pre – Natal Development
Learning Outcomes
 Trace the course of the pre-natal
developmental process that went
through
 Explain the most common hazards to
pre-natal development
 Become more appreciative of the gift of
life manifested in an anti-abortion stand
Life Before Birth
The Development of the unborn child

 Developing baby in the womb

as “a blob of tissue” or “uterine
contents”.
 Dr.Paul Rockwell, a New York
Physician encounter with a tiny
unborn baby boy eight weeks
after conception.
The Stages of Pre-natal
Development
3 periods
1. Germinal Periods
2. Embryonic Period
3. Fetal Period
Germinal Stage

 The first two weeks after

conception
 The germinal stage spans the time
from fertilization to implantation in
the wall of the uterus.
 For the first three or four days the
mass of dividing cells moves about
the uterus before implantation.
Embryonic Stage

 The period of 2 to 8 weeks after

conception.
 Major organ systems begin to
take shape, which is now called
the embryo.
 Nervous system, head and blood
vessels form at this time as well
 During the 4th week, the heart
starts beating
8 week embryo
Fetal Stage
 From the 9th week until birth.
 All major organs as well as fingers
and toes develop by the 12th
week.
 The fetus grows more than 30 fold
in weight during the 2nd trimester
(1 oz. to 2 lbs.)
 The fetus reached the age of
viability, where it could sustain life
on its own outside of the womb.
Threats to Prenatal
Development
 Maternal malnutrition is related
to premature birth and low
birth weight.

 The risk of spina bifida, a neural

tube defect, can be reduced
if vitamins containing folic acid
are taken during pregnancy.
Teratology

 Teratology – field that

investigates the causes of
congenital (birth) defects.
 Derived from the Greek
root tera, meaning
“monster”.
Hazards to Prenatal
Development
 Can include;
 Certain drugs taken by the
mother
 X-rays
 Environmentalcontaminants
such as lead and mercury
 Infectious organisms
Teratogens

 Can include infectious diseases

such as rubella, which can lead to
serious birth defects (heart disease,
mental retardation, deafness)
 HIV/AIDS and syphilis can be
passed from mother to child during
pregnancy.
 Syphilis can lead to liver damage,
impaired hearing and vision and
deformities in teeth and bones.
Smoking
 Can lead to miscarriage,
premature birth, low birth weight
and increased risk of infant
mortality.
 The more the mother smokes, the
greater the risk.
 Maternal smoking has also been
linked to sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS)
Smoking

 Maternal smoking can also

lead to;
 Lung problems
 Childhood asthma
 Developmental problems
 Short attention span
 Learning problems
 Behavioral problems
Alcohol

 Maternal alcohol use can lead to

fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
 Alcoholis also the leading cause
of mental retardation (facial
deformities, underdeveloped
upper jaw, widely spaced eyes).
 There is no established “safe” limit
for alcohol use during pregnancy
Drugs
 Any drug used during
pregnancy, whether legal or
illicit, or any medication, whether
prescribed or bought over the
counter can potentially harm the
fetus.

 Pregnant women should consult

their doctors before taking any
medication!