POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

1. Pre-natal Development

2. Life Before Birth

4. The Stages of Pre-natal Development
1. The Germinal Period
2. The Embryonic Period
3. The Fetal Period

5. The Germinal Period
The Germinal period is the period of pre-natal
development that takes place in the first 2
weeks after conception.
This period includes the ff.:
a) Creation of the zygote
b)Continued cell division and
c) The attachment of the zygote to the uterine wall

6. The Embryonic Period
The embryonic period is the period of pre-
natal development that occurs 2 to 8 weeks
after conception.
The following developments take place:
a)Cell differentiation intensifies
b)Life- support systems for the embryo – the
placenta, umbilical cord and amnion-
develop and
c)Organ systems appear(organogenesis)

7. The Fetal Period
This period lasts from about 2 months after
conception until 9 months when the infant is
born.
Growth and development continue their
dramatic course and organ systems mature to
the point at which life can be sustained
outside of the womb.

8. Teratology and Hazards to
Pre-natal Development

9. Teratology
This is the field of study that investigates the
causes of (congenital) defects.
That which causes birth defects is called
teratogen.

10. Hazard to Pre-natal Development
1.Prescription and non-prescription drugs
2.Psychoactive drugs
3.Environmental Hazards
4.Other maternal factors
5.Paternal factors

11. Prescription and non-prescription
drugs
Thalidomide when taken in by pregnant
mothers has a negative effect on the
developing fetus.
Prescription drugs that can be harmful include
antibiotics.
Diet pills, aspirin, and coffee are example of
non-prescription drugs that can be harmful.

12. Psychoactive drugs
Heavy drinking by women results to the
so called fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Fetal and neonatal deaths are higher
among smoking mothers.
Maternal heroin addicts deliver smaller
than average size babies.

13. Environmental Hazards
These include radiation in jobsites and X-rays,
environmental pollutants, toxic wastes, and
prolonged exposure to heat in saunas and
bath tubs.

14. Other maternal factors
Rubella can be harmful.
Syphilis, genital herps and AIDS are
other teratogens
Lack of folic acid in the mother’s diet
leads to a birth defect of the brain and
the spinal cord.

15. Paternal factors
Paternal factors that can adversely affect
pre-natal development include exposure
lead, radiation, certain pesticides and
petrochemicals.
Older father also may place their
offspring at risk for certain defects
(Santrock, 2002).