Why Is It Important To Learn About Prenatal Development?

Pre-Pregnancy and prenatal care can help prevent complications and inform women about important steps they can take to protect their infant and ensure a healthy pregnancy. With regular prenatal care women can: Reduce the risk of pregnancy complications .

Why is it important to study prenatal development?

According to the National Institutes of Health ([NIH], 2013), routine prenatal care is important because it can reduce the risk of complications to the mother and fetus during pregnancy . In fact, women who are trying to become pregnant or who may become pregnant should discuss pregnancy planning with their doctor.

Why is it important to know about pregnancy?

Women who receive an early pregnancy diagnosis and prenatal care are more likely to experience a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Knowing what to expect during the full pregnancy term is important for monitoring both your health and the health of the baby .

What is the most important stage of prenatal development?

In general, major defects of the body and internal organs are more likely to occur between 3 to 12 embryo / fetal weeks. This is the same as 5 to 14 gestational weeks (weeks since the first day of your last period). This is also referred to as the first trimester .

How does prenatal care affect development?

Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy . Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care. Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly.

What are the 3 major stages of prenatal development?

This union marks the beginning of the prenatal period, which in humans encompasses three distinct stages: (1) the pre-embryonic stage, the first two weeks of development, which is a period of cell division and initial differentiation (cell maturation), (2) the embryonic period, or period of organogenesis, which lasts ...

What are the 3 main stages of prenatal development?

The process of prenatal development occurs in three main stages. The first two weeks after conception are known as the germinal stage, the third through the eighth week is known as the embryonic period, and the time from the ninth week until birth is known as the fetal period .

How do I know my baby is healthy in the womb?

• 01/6​Weight gain during pregnancy. Usually expecting mums gain around 12-15 kilos when they are pregnant. ...
• 02/6Common signs of a healthy pregnancy. ...
• 03/6​Movement. ...
• 04/6​Normal growth. ...
• 05/6Heartbeat. ...
• 06/6​Position of the baby at the time of pre-labour.

What are 3 potential causes of birth defects?

• Genetic problems. One or more genes might have a change or mutation that results in them not working properly, such as in Fragile X syndrome. ...
• Chromosomal problems. ...
• Infections. ...
• Exposure to medications, chemicals, or other agents during pregnancy.

How do you make sure you have a healthy pregnancy?

1. Eat healthy foods. Eating healthy foods is especially important for pregnant women. ...
2. Take a daily prenatal vitamin. ...
3. Stay hydrated. ...
4. Go to your prenatal care checkups. ...
5. Avoid certain foods. ...
6. Don’t drink alcohol. ...
7. Don’t smoke. ...
8. Get moving.

At what week is a baby’s brain fully developed?

At just six weeks , the embryo’s brain and nervous system begin to develop, although the complex parts of the brain continue to grow and develop through the end of pregnancy, with development ending around the age of 25.

Which trimester is the most critical for fetal development?

The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby’s development. During this period, your baby’s body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester.

What week is most critical in pregnancy?

The fetus is most vulnerable during the first 12 weeks . During this period of time, all of the major organs and body systems are forming and can be damaged if the fetus is exposed to drugs, infectious agents, radiation, certain medications, tobacco and toxic substances.

Can you have a healthy baby without prenatal care?

Women without prenatal care are seven times more likely give birth to premature babies, and five times more likely to have infants who die. The consequences are not only poor health, but also higher cost passed down to taxpayers.

What are 3 environmental factors that affect prenatal development?

Various teratogens include drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other environmental agents. The adverse effects of a teratogen depend on several factors, such as the dose or level of exposure, heredity, age of the teratogen, and any other negative influences .

How can I have a beautiful baby during pregnancy?

1. See your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.
2. Eat well.
3. Take a supplement.
4. Be careful about food hygiene.
5. Exercise regularly.
6. Begin doing pelvic floor exercises.
7. Cut out alcohol.
8. Cut back on caffeine.