Fetal Development and Substance Abuse

Fetal Development

• A substance that can hurt the fetus can affect brain stem development
• Blood flow and nutrients from the mother are essential for fetal development

Infant Development

• Reflexes are essential for the infant to orient their body in space
• Infants have a sucking reflex, which helps them feed and self-soothe
• Infants are able to move their arms and legs, and can lift their head while on their stomach
• Infants can recognize their mother's voice and have a strong instinct to cling to their caregivers

Emotional Regulation

• Infants experience emotions from birth, including joy, anger, and distress
• Infants are highly reactive and sensitive to their environment
• High reactivity is associated with greater emotional arousal and distress
• Mood regulation is critical for infant development and is influenced by caregiver interactions

Parent-Infant Interaction

• Infants look to their caregivers for comfort and reassurance
• Caregivers provide a sense of safety and security for infants
• Infants are highly attuned to their caregivers and can sense their emotions
• Parent-infant interaction is critical for developing emotional regulation and attachment

Social and Moral Development

• Infants as young as six months old can distinguish between right and wrong
• Children develop moral understanding through social interactions and learning from others
• Children begin to develop empathy and understand the perspectives of others
• Moral development is influenced by societal norms and expectations

Learning and Cognition

• Children are curious and motivated to learn and understand their environment
• Hands-on learning and exploration are essential for cognitive development
• Children develop complex thinking and problem-solving skills over time
• Learning is influenced by social and cultural factors
• Intelligence and cognitive development are shaped by multiple factors, including genetics and environment

This quiz covers the effects of substance abuse on fetal development, including the impact on the brain and blood vessels.