Prenatal Influences and Environmental Factors

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Questions and Answers

What is a teratogen?

  • A genetic anomaly present at birth
  • An external factor negatively impacting development (correct)
  • A congenital abnormality
  • A psychological condition affecting the mother

Which of the following factors are linked to increased risks during pregnancy?

  • Nutrition of the mother
  • Parental age
  • Emotional state of the mother
  • All of the above (correct)

At what maternal age is pregnancy generally considered to be the healthiest?

  • Between 20 and 35 years (correct)
  • Over 35 years
  • Over 40 years
  • Under 20 years

What percentage of congenital abnormalities have unknown causes?

<p>50% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended sleeping pattern for neonates?

<p>16-18 hours a day (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutritional issues can lead to risks during pregnancy?

<p>Both A and B (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feeding pattern is typical for neonates?

<p>Every 1.5 to 5 hours, 8 to 14 times a day (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much of an increase in IQ could result from eliminating malnutrition, according to South African Health Systems Trust?

<p>10–15 points (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Teratogen

External factors that negatively impact the development of a fetus.

Prenatal Influences

Factors affecting the developing baby. It includes external factors and time of exposure, which can have negative or positive effects.

Maternal Age (Pregnancy)

A parent's age during pregnancy significantly impacts the birth process and potential health of the baby (especially first-time mothers.)

Maternal Nutrition

The mother's diet is crucial during pregnancy. Adequate nutrition is paramount as the fetus is completely dependent on the mother for nutrients.

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Malnutrition

Lack of proper nutrition, either from insufficient food intake or an imbalanced diet (too little protein and vitamins).

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Fetal Development

The pregnancy and process of a baby developing in the womb

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Neonatal Sleep

Newborns sleep extensively, mostly around 16-18 hours.

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Neonatal Feeding

Newborns feed frequently, typically 8-14 times daily, and the intervals are usually between 1.5 and 5 hours.

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Neonatal Learning

Newborns learn through classical and operant conditioning, and can also imitate facial expressions from the start of their birth.

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Study Notes

Prenatal Influences

  • 50% of congenital abnormalities have unknown causes.
  • Teratogens are external factors negatively impacting prenatal development.
  • Teratogen impact depends on: exposure timing, genetic vulnerability, severity, and specific teratogen.
  • Damage may not be apparent at birth.

Environmental Factors Affecting Development

  • Parental Age:
    • 20-35 is ideal.
    • Teen mothers (especially under 15) and mothers over 35 have increased risks.
    • Older mothers (over 35) require good physical, nutritional, and psychological health.
    • Paternal age also significant (generally, under 40 is healthier).
  • Maternal Nutrition:
    • Essential due to child's complete dependency.
    • Malnutrition (inadequate or imbalanced diet) risks: stillbirth, low birth weight, premature birth, deformities, delayed growth, and death in first year.
    • Elimination of malnutrition could boost population IQ by 10-15 points (South African Health Systems Trust).
    • Overnutrition can also be a risk factor.
  • Radiation, Infections, Medications, and Maternal Emotional State: These factors can all negatively impact prenatal development.

Neonatal Development

  • Sleep: Neonates sleep 16-18 hours daily, with roughly 50% in REM sleep (compared to about 20% in adults).
  • Feeding: Infants feed 8-14 times daily, with intervals of 1.5-5 hours.
  • Learning:
    • Rapid learning through classical and operant conditioning.
    • Imitation of facial expressions (e.g., smiling, frowning) observed within 36 hours after birth.
  • Temperament: Some differences are noticeable even before birth.

Infancy (0-2 Years)

  • Development Areas: Physical, cognitive, personality, and social.
  • Physical Development:
    • Head growth slower than body.
    • Weight doubles every 4-5 months in the first year, slowing in the second.
    • Average height around 72 cm.
    • Fontanels close.
    • Teeth erupt between 6-8 months.

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