Prenatal Development
The Course of Prenatal Development and the Destructive Impact of Teratogens
The changes which take place from the time of concept to the time of death of an individual is studied by developmental psychologists. They usually study changes in the physical condition, mental condition and socially as well. About half of the fertilized eggs, normally called zygotes, survive. In the first week of development, cell division usually produces a zygote from around 100 cells (Myers 2012, p. 66). These cells are already in the first stages of structure and functional specialization. At around 10 days after conception, the outer parts of the zygote attaches itself to the walls of the uterus and slowly develop to become the placenta, a very essential part as it enhances nourishment to the fetus (Myers 2012, p. 66). The inner cells are then further developed into an embryo.
The next six weeks will feature the development of body organs and some of these begin to function at this time. For example, the heart starts beating and the liver also starts producing red blood cells. Nine weeks after conception, the embryo is transformed into a fetus as it has most of the body parts similar to that of a fully grown human being. Internal organs, such as the stomach, become fully formed by the end of the sixth month. At each stage of prenatal development, genetic and environmental factors will impact the process of development. The placenta plays more roles than just transfer nutrients from the mother to the fetus. It also screens many harmful substances and prevents them from reaching the fetus; unfortunately there are some which pass by unnoticed such as teratogens (Myers 2012, p. 66). These are the environmental agents which have a diverse effect on the normal growth of a fetus as they result in physical defects (Myers 2012, p.66). This is one reason why pregnant mothers are advised to avoid alcohol as much as possible. If the mother is a heavy drinker, the effect may be noted as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) whereby the fetus suffers from a disproportioned head and lifelong brain damages (Myers 2012, p. 66).
The Abilities of a Healthy Newborn
Newborns are very competent beings. They are born when already equipped with sensory nerves and reflexes which act as the means through which they are able to interact with adults and also secure nourishment when need arises (Myers 2012, p. 67). When a baby is touched on the cheeks, it will open its mouth and start searching for a nipple. This is a result of the rooting reflex (Myers 2012, p. 67). When they hear human voices, they turn their heads towards that direction. They tend to gaze longer at a human face drawing than at any other object. Within a few days of birth, the baby can tell its mother by distinguishing the odor and voice.
Reference
Myers, D. G. (2012). Psychology in Everyday Life. New York: Worth Publishers.
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