Prenatal Development and Reproductive Systems

Prenatal Development, Pregnancy, and Birth

• Prenatal development encompasses the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages
• The germinal stage (first two weeks) involves fertilization, cell division, and implantation in the uterus
• Zygote is a fertilized egg
• Blastocyst is a hollow ball of cells
• Implantation is when the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall
• Placenta is the structure enabling nutrient and waste exchange between mother and fetus
• The embryonic stage (weeks 3-8) involves the development of major organs, rapid body growth, and formation of the neural tube
• The fetal stage (weeks 9 to birth) includes physical refinements, massive growth of the brain, and development of bodily systems
• The age of viability is the point at which a baby can potentially survive outside the womb

The Reproductive Systems

• Uterus: Pear-shaped muscular organ housing the developing baby
• Endometrium: Lining of the uterus
• Cervix: Narrow lower portion of the uterus
• Fallopian tubes: Connect ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization occurs
• Ovaries: Almond-shaped organs containing ova (eggs)
• Ovum: Egg cell containing genetic material from the mother
• Testes: Male organs producing sperm

The Process of Fertilization

• Fertilization: Union of sperm and egg
• Ovulation: Release of an ovum from the ovary
• Testes: Male organs producing sperm

The Genetics of Fertilization

• Chromosome: Threadlike strand of DNA carrying genes
• DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; genetic material making up genes
• Gene: Segment of DNA containing a blueprint for manufacturing a particular protein

Chromosomes and DNA

• Chromosomes in a cell nucleus
• DNA's double helix structure
• Various types of chromosomes and their representation

Prenatal Development (Part 1)

• Germinal stage: First 2 weeks of prenatal development
• Zygote, blastocyst, and implantation
• Placenta: Crucial structure for nutrient/waste exchange

Prenatal Development (Part 2)

• Embryonic stage: Weeks 3–8 of prenatal development
• All major organs formed
• Rapid body development
• Neural tube formation

The Events of the Germinal Stage

• Stages of fertilization, cell division, ovulation, and implantation

Principles of Prenatal Development (Part 1)

• Proximodistal sequence: Growth from the center outward
• Cephalocaudal sequence: Growth from head to toe
• Mass-to-specific sequence: Development of large structures before smaller ones

Principles of Prenatal Development (Part 2)

• Prenatal development images

Prenatal Development (Part 3)

• Fetal stage: Weeks 9 to birth
• Physical refinements, brain development, age of viability

The Expanding Brain

• Brain development from 4 to 9 months

Poised to Be Born

• Umbilical cord: Connects fetus to placenta
• Amniotic sac: Fluid-filled sac protecting the fetus

Pregnancy (Part 1)

• First trimester (1–3 months): Feeling tired and/or ill
• Gestation: Period of pregnancy
• Trimester: 3-month segments of pregnancy
• Hormones: Chemical substances that change organs and tissues
• Progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin
• Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting)
• Couvade: Symptoms experienced by fathers during pregnancy
• Miscarriage: Loss of pregnancy/fetal death

Pregnancy (Part 2)

• Second trimester (4–6 months): Better feeling, emotional connection
• Quickening: First fetal movements felt by mother
• Third trimester (7–9 months): Large size, anticipation of birth. Physiological concerns that may arise

Trending in Developmental Science: Decoding Pregnancy Distress

• Meta-analysis results about pregnancy distress
• Increase in rates of certain disorders and anxiety during pregnancy
• Relationship issues, work/family conflicts, and cortisol levels in mates are contributing factors

Pregnancy (Part 3)

• Percentage of depression among pregnant women in different time periods

Threats for Outside: Teratogens

• Teratogen harms the fetus
• Birth defect
• Sensitive period: Most vulnerable time in development
• Developmental disorders: Learning and behavioral problems

Basic Teratogenic Principles

• Teratogens harm during embryonic period
• Affects the developing brain throughout development
• Threshold level and unpredictability of injury

The Teratogenic Impact of Medicines and Recreational Drugs

• Smoking and vaping: Reduced healthy development
• FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome): cluster of birth defects from maternal alcohol use
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Less severe versions

The Long Shadow of Traumatic Life Events

• Severe prenatal traumas
• Prenatal deprivation and exposure to intense maternal stress
• Fetal programming research

Threats from Within: Chromosomal and Genetic Disorders (Part 1)

• Chromosomal problems (extra or missing sex chromosomes leading impairment or infertility)
• Down syndrome: Most common chromosomal abnormality

Threats from Within: Chromosomal and Genetic Disorders (Part 2)

• Genetic illnesses are often complex
• Single-gene disorders: Inherited according to dominant, recessive, or sex-linked patterns.

Threats from Within: Chromosomal and Genetic Disorders (Part 3)

• Dominant disorder: Child inherits one copy of abnormal gene from parent.
• Recessive disorder: Child inherits two copies of abnormal gene from parents.
• Sex-linked disorders typically appear in male offspring

Interventions

• Genetic counseling: Genetic testing
• Prenatal tests: MRIs, ultrasounds, CVS, and amniocentesis

Prenatal Development, Pregnancy, Prenatal Threats, Tools of Discovery

• Summary of stages of prenatal development together with threats and discoveries

Infertility and New Reproductive Technologies (Part 1)

• Infertility: Inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sex
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART)

Infertility and New Reproductive Technologies (Part 2)

• Pregnancy stages and different discoveries at each trimester

Infertility and New Reproductive Technologies (Part 3)

• Infertility and conception outside the womb
• ART treatments (IVF)

Infertility and New Reproductive Technologies (Part 4)

• Age of the mother and success of ART

Birth

• Stages of birth: Dilation, expulsion, and placental expulsion
• Breech birth

Birth Options, Past and Present

• Historic methods of birth
• Modern methods of birth (midwives, doulas, medical interventions)

The Newborn (Part 1)

• Testing newborns (Apgar scale).
• Low birth weight (LBW), and very low birth weight (VLBW)
• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

The Newborn (Part 2)

• Pictures of newborns
• Excellent Apgar score
• Babies weighing less than 1 pound

Infant Mortality

• Infant mortality rates

This quiz covers the stages of prenatal development, including the germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages. It also explores key concepts related to the reproductive systems, such as the structure and functions of the uterus, endometrium, and cervix. Test your knowledge on these essential topics in human development!