Chapter 5: Prenatal Development
Learning Objectives
- Compare monozygotic and dizygotic twins
- Differentiate between development during the germinal, embryonic, and fetal periods
- Examine risks to prenatal development posed by exposure to teratogens
- Explain potential complications of pregnancy and delivery
- Describe various approaches to childbirth
- Describe a normal delivery, including the stages of childbirth
- Examine risks and complications with newborns
People endure quite an incredible journey before they are born. Think about it—when the timing and conditions are just right, a tiny egg releases from ovulation and a single sperm out of hundreds of millions unite to begin the process of fertilization. Genetic material from parents join together to form a completely new organism. This new organism has to continue to travel and implant in the uterine wall in order to continue to grow and thrive. It is not an easy feat. It still must grow and develop for approximately 268 days before it begins life outside of the womb.
Today we have more knowledge and technology than ever before that has an impact on this process. We are privy to tests that can give us a wealth of information even before we conceive. We have the ability to know the genetic make-up of a prenate before it is implanted in the womb. New parents have the choice of the prenatal care that they receive and how they want to prepare for labor and delivery. As you will see, the choices that are made along the way and the unforeseen surprises make for a unique pregnancy and birth story.
This chapter explores this journey and the development process from the moment of conception to delivery.
Watch It
Video 5.1 Conception to Birth shows fascinating animation of a prenate growing and developing inside of the womb.
