Why Prenatal Development Is Important?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

What is prenatal development and why is it important?

The fetal period of prenatal develop

marks more important changes in the brain

. This period of development begins during the ninth week and lasts until birth. This stage is marked by amazing change and growth. The early body systems and structures established in the embryonic stage continue to develop.

What is the meaning of prenatal development?

prenatal development, also called antenatal development, in humans,

the process encompassing the period from the formation of an embryo, through the development of a fetus, to birth (or parturition)

.

What are the 3 main stages of prenatal development?

There are three stages of prenatal development:

germinal, embryonic, and fetal

.

Which period of prenatal development is the most critical?


The embryonic period

is the most critical period of development because of the formation of internal and external structures.

What are the factors affecting prenatal development?

Prenatal risk factors include

chronic maternal illness, certain maternal infections, toxin exposures and nutritional deficiencies

. Risk factors in the perinatal period include pregnancy-related complications, prematurity and low birth weight, and infection exposure during pregnancy or at time of birth.

What are the developmental stages?

  • Stage 1: Trust Versus Mistrust. …
  • Stage 2: Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt. …
  • Stage 3: Initiative Versus Guilt. …
  • Stage 4: Industry Versus Inferiority. …
  • Stage 5: Identity Versus Confusion. …
  • Stage 6: Intimacy Versus Isolation. …
  • Stage 7: Generativity Versus Stagnation. …
  • Stage 8: Integrity Versus Despair.

What is the correct order of prenatal development?

There are three stages of prenatal development:

germinal, embryonic, and fetal

.

What are 3 environmental factors that affect prenatal development?

Other teratogens that affect prenatal development include

radiation, pollution, and infectious disease

. Radiation increases the risk of childhood cancer, as well as emotional and behavioral disorders; because of this, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid x-rays unless absolutely necessary.

How do teratogens cause birth defects?

As a baby grows in the womb, teratogens may affect parts of the baby’s body

as they are forming

. For example, the neural tube closes in the first 3 to 5 weeks of the pregnancy. During this time, teratogens can cause neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

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 most important for brain development?


The third trimester

is brimming with rapid development of neurons and wiring. His brain roughly triples in weight during the last 13 weeks of pregnancy, growing from about 3.5 ounces at the end of the second trimester to almost 10.6 ounces at term.

Can birth defects be seen on ultrasound?

Ultrasound is the most common tool used to

detect birth defects

. Doctors use an ultrasound to conduct a system-by-system analysis of the baby. Ultrasounds are usually performed when the mother is 18- to 20-weeks pregnant but can be done earlier.

How can you promote healthy prenatal development?

  1. Eat healthy foods. …
  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.

How does stress affect prenatal development?

High levels of stress that continue for a long time may cause health problems, like high blood pressure and heart disease. During pregnancy, stress can

increase the chances of having a premature baby

(born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).

What are the 7 areas of development?

  • Communication and language development. …
  • Physical development. …
  • Personal, social, and emotional development. …
  • Literacy development. …
  • Mathematics. …
  • Understanding the world. …
  • Expressive arts and design.
Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.