Formating a new

life

By Dr. Asma
MSPT(KMU), DPT(KMU), CHPE(KMU), CHR(KMU), PhD*
Objectives

• To know the differences between chromosome, DNA and genes

• To know the different stages of fetal development
• To know the hazards exposed to a developing fetus
• To know how to assess a newborn
Determination of gender
• What is chromosome, DNA, gene and where are they all located?
 Gender Determination

 Chromosomes: Coils of DNA carrying genes

 Autosomes:
 22 pairs not related to sexual expressions
 Sex chromosomes:
 1 pair determining gender
 XX = female
 XY = male
Stages of Prenatal Development

Stage Duration

Germinal Conception to 2 weeks

Embryonic 2 to 8 weeks

Fetal 8 weeks to birth

Germinal Stage Development
Embryonic stage (2-8 weeks)
 Major bodily systems develop
 Spontaneous abortion: usually due to
chromosomal abnormalities, severely
defective embryos.
Fetal Stage (8-birth)
 Appearance of bone cells; rapid growth;
more complex organ development; begin
to interact with environment; learn and
remember (sound, voices)
Prenatal Development

Hazards to Prenatal Development

 Teratogen: agent causing birth defects
 Severity of damage affected by
 Dose
 Genetic susceptibility
 Time of exposure

 Effects of prescription and nonprescription drugs

Prenatal Development

Teratogens and Timing of Their Effects

on Prenatal Development
Teratogen: is a substance that can cross the placental
barrier and harm the child. Alcohol and tobacco are
perhaps the most common and damaging. Mercury,
lead paint etc.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): combo of retarded

growth, face and body malformations, disorders of the
nervous system. ADHD symptoms, attention,
distractibility, learning difficulties, memory and mood
impairment.

Nicotine: low birth weight, miscarriage, retardation, still

birth, small head syndrome, medical problems.
 Assessing the Newborn
 Apgar Scale: heart, reflexes, and color
 Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment
Scale (BNBAS)
 A sensitive index of neurological competence
 Four categories in global terms
 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network
Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS)
 Analysis of behavior, neurological and stress
responses, and regulatory capacities
• Scores 7 and above are generally normal
• 4 to 6 fairly low
• 3 and below are generally regarded as critically low.
 Bonding
 Needs to occur shortly after birth
 Early emotional attachments may create healthy
interactions after leaving hospital
 Massages and tactile stimulation for premature infants
affect development
Recommended now: Comfort your baby:
 Comfort baby when they cry
 Feed them when they are hungry
 Play with them when they are awake
 Studies show that baby must learn that they
have an affect on their environment, and
therefore control over their own experience.
Important for cognitive and social development
 Babies need to know that they can make things
happen
 being responsive to baby
• Thank you