Deck 4: Seciton 1: Beginnings: Parental Development and Birth

Question 1

Explain the procedure known as a cesarean section, and discuss at least two benefits and two risks associated with this kind of delivery.

Answer 1

A cesarean section (c-section) is also known as a surgical birth. Incisions through the mother's abdomen and uterus allow the fetus to be removed quickly, instead of being delivered through the vagina. Generally, cesareans are 1) safe for mother and baby and 2) can save a baby's life when the infant experiences distress during a vaginal delivery. Advantages for hospitals include 3) ease in scheduling, 4) quicker than vaginal deliveries, and 5) more profitable than vaginal deliveries. Drawbacks include 1) a longer recovery period for the mother, 2) complications after birth, 3) a reduction in breast-feeding, and 4) by age 3, children born by cesarean have double the rate of childhood obesity.

Question 2

Give a general description of the embryonic period. Detail the fetal status at the end of this period.

Answer 2

The embryonic period covers the third through the eighth week of development. It is during this time that differentiation into three layers occurs, leading to the formation and development of all major internal and external body systems. Although the head is too large in comparison to the rest of the body, by the end of this period, all body systems are present and functioning with the exception of sex organs.

Question 3

Describe the germinal period, embryonic period, and fetal period of prenatal development. Identify the length of each period and detail the major developmental milestones that occur during each period.

Answer 3

The first two weeks (14 days) of prenatal development are the germinal period. During this time the zygote experiences cell duplication and differentiation. The major milestone is the transformation of the zygote into a blastocyst, which forms the embryo and placenta, enabling implantation in the uterus. The embryonic period lasts from the third through the eighth prenatal week (day 14 to 56). The major developmental milestones are body structure and system formation, including a rudimentary central nervous system and circulatory system. The fetal period starts at the ninth prenatal week and ends at birth. Fetal growth, sex organs, and refinement of all the body structures and systems are the major developmental accomplishments.

Question 4

Define couvade and give two examples.

Question 5

Define behavioral teratogens and name at least two common ones. State two potential consequences of exposure to them.

Question 6

Name four of the factors that contribute to low birthweight.

Question 7

Describe kangaroo care and list two of its benefits.

Question 8

Describe the maternal symptoms of postpartum depression. What are two possible outcomes of postpartum depression for the baby?

Question 9

Define reflexes. Describe the three kinds of reflexes that are necessary for newborn survival and give an example of each.

Question 10

List two of the hypotheses developed to explain the increase in low birthweight in the United States.

Question 11

Identify at least three teratogens. Since teratogens' impact depends on multiple factors, briefly describe two such factors.