Prenatal development, birth and the newborn Flashcards
List the three periods of prenatal development, and describe the major milestones of each.
germinal/zygote: 2 wks, fertilization, implementation, start of placenta, yolk sac until the placenta forms
embryonic: 3-8 wks, groundwork laid for all body structures and internal organs, CNS develops, internal organs, muscles, skeleton starts to form. Heart begins pumping blood, neurons develop rapidly, eyes, ears, nose, limbs develop
fetal stage: 9-38 wks, “growth and finishing up phase”: lungs begin to expand and contract, sex of fetus becomes viable (4 mo), sensitivity to light and sound, 22-26 wks: age of viability (lungs have no surfactant yet so would still need help breathing)
Describe the three stages of childbirth and the baby’s adaptation to labor and delivery.
Stage 1: dilation and effacement of the cervix, frequency and intensity of contractions increases until the cervix opens completely in:
Stage 2: pushing, with each contraction the mother pushes until the head appears
Stage 3: the shoulders of the baby emerge, quickly followed by the rest of the body
Adaptation: since strong contractions reduce the infant’s oxygen supply: cortisol and other stress hormones help the baby withstand oxygen deprivation, prepare the baby to breath, and arouse infant alertness
Describe risks associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, along with effective interventions.
low birth weight is the second highest contributor to neonatal mortality and it is mostly preventable. Puts infant at risk for disease later in life and neurodevelopmental issues
Prevention: good nutrition, high quality medical care, social and economic supports, paid-job protected employment leave
Ways to soothe a crying baby
suck
sush
swaddle
soothe - voice
side-lying (like a football)
Usually cry due to physical needs
Newborn states of arousal
8-9 hrs in REM - brain waves similar to awake, nervous system development
8-9 hrs in NREM – motionless, HR, breathing, brain waves slow down
drowsiness varies
2-3 hrs quiet alertness
1-4 hrs of waking and crying
Newborn reflexes
grasp reflex, walking (stepping) reflex, latch reflex, moro/embracement reflex
Describe the newborn baby’s sensory capacities.
Eyesight: very poor focus and color discrimination at birth and develop mostly in the first 4 months
touch: well-developed, it is mostly how they investigate the world
taste: prefers sweet, and mother breast milk, mothers diet and amniotic fluid can influence taste. Can locate odors and identify mother by smell
Hearing: can hear a wide variety of sounds, prefers complex sounds to pure tones, sensitive to mothers voice and human speech patterns, biologically prepared to learn languag
When can the sex of a fetus be detected?
4 mo, or on a blood test earlier
Preterm Birth vs. Small-for-Date
A preterm birth baby is one born before 37 weeks, smaller size appropriate for length of pregnancy, while a small-for-date baby is just small compared to their gestational age, possibly due to inadequate nutrition before birth
Common teratogens and what they cause
Smoking
alcohol – facial characteristics, neurodevelopmental/behavioral issues, slow physical growth
Prescription medications (antidepressants, accutane, aspirin, caffeine (1-2 cups per day is fine)
Illegal drugs (cocaine, heroine, methadone
marajuana (anything with the cannabis component))
tobacco – low birth weight
radiation and environmental pollution – variety of physical and cognitive effects, increases chances of illness later
infectious diseases – threat greatest during embryonic stages, infection during fetal period may lead to low birth weight, hearing loss, and bone defects
HIV, especially during labor is dangerous but can be easily managed with medications
What causes toxoplasmosis?
parasite often found in dirt or cat poop, or raw/undercooked meat, if during the first trimester it can cause visual and cognitive impairments
Avoid by having family animals checked, cooking meat thoroughly, and having other members of the family empty the litter box
Recommended weight gain during pregnancy
25-30 lbs, especially important to get enough vitamins and minerals: folic acid. Prenatal malnutrition can cause damage to organs and increased illness later on
Apgar score
Apgar scoring - a score given at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Each category is rated on a scale of 1-3, 1 being the worst, 3 being the goal. Above 7 is normal, between 4-6- means the baby needs help, below 3 is really bad.
appearance
pulse
grimace
Activity
respiration
How to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
don’t sleep with you baby
quit smoking and drug use
place infants to sleep on their backs
use a pacifier
provide a firm sleep surface without any pillows, blankets or stuffed-animals
