Psych 250

Occurs 7-9 days after fertilization

Hollow, fluid filled ball of cells

cells on inside become new organism

Outer layer of cells (3 life support systems)
a) Amnion-protective covering, cushion and temperature regulator
b) Placenta- disc shaped mass of tissue, partial filter. Supplies food and O to the fetus and carries away its waste
c) Umbilical cord- anchors placenta to developing organism; is a rope of tissue

Primitive spinal cord, brain

3 equal time periods in 9 month prenatal period 

White, cheese-like substance, protects skin from being chapped

White, downy hair, helps vernix stick to the skin

22-26 weeks of age at which fetus can first survive if born early. 50/50 chance after 24 weeks. 

Most rapid prenatal changes- groundwork for all body structures, internal organs begun
Embryonic disk forms three layers
a) ectoderm- NS, skin, sensory organs
b) mesoderm- muscles, skeleton, circulatory system, excretory system
c) endoderm- digestive system, lungs, glands
Time during which there are miscarriages (spontaneous abortions) due to chemical abnormalities, life system not developed well etc. 

Growth and finishing phase. Growth and trimesters.
a) 1-12 weeks
b) 13-24 weeks
c) 25-38 weeks

a) Nutrition- malnutrition can damage CNS (fewer brain cells, lower brain weight also hurts immune system, liver, pancreas etc) Recommended gain 25-30 pounds


b) Emotional stress- higher miscarry rates, premature birth, respiratory ilnesses With stress, blood moves to the mother's system to support her instead of the baby. Less oxygen and nutrients for the baby


c) Maternal age- greatest success rate for women in their 20s.

Any environmental agent that causes damage during prenatal period 

5-8% of all births

a) dose
b) time of exposure (there are sensitive periods of growth)
c) genetic predisposition
d) presence of other teratogens

aspirin bad! Be careful of using meds without consulting doctors.

Crack, cocaine, heroine. Leads to motor and brain development problems

Leads to low blood plates, delayed growth. Second hand smoke also bad can lead to respiratory illnesses

All types matter equally. Interferes with brain development. Takes high levels of oxygen to break down alcohol. Leads to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 

x-rays, environmental pollution (mercury or lead)

Measles or HIV/ AIDS can get passed on to offspring

Exposure to toxins lead to poor quality sperm (some can even attack) Later paternal age associated with some birth defects. 

Surrounding birth. Changing notion of traditional childbirth
past- at home
current- in hospitals

Treating natural process like a disease
Episiotomies- surgical cuts given to everyone
Fetal monitoring inhibits mobility

Red, splotchy, swollen eyes, misshapen heads.
~ 20 inches in length ~7.5 pounds
Features have appeal

Used to assess newborn's physical conditions
HR, Respiratory effect, muscle tone, color, reflect irritability
Given x2 (1 min, 5 min)
7-10 a good score. 4 or lower means survival is in doubt

Inborn, automatic response to a form of stimulation. Organized patterns govern movements. Provide adaptive responses to environ before they can learn about the world. 

Survival value, precursors of motor skills, remnants of earlier species, duration, helpful for diagnosing neurological problems

Touch- sensitive to touch and pain at birth. Stimulates physical and emotional development
Taste and smell- highly developed taste. Newborns attracted to lactating women
Hearing- prefer complex sounds, prepared for languages
Vision- least mature sense. Cannot focus eyes

16-18 hours a day. Inconsistent pattern.
Takes 4-6 months to stabilize sleep patterns
REM (active stimulation for brain)
non REM body is quieter

Spend 2-3 hours crying/ day
Used to communicate physical needs (comfort, hungry, bored)
Basic- starts softly builds up
Mad- more intense
Pain- high pitched
Designed to stimulate strong feelings of arousal
Comfort with swaddling, rocking, singing