Beginnings
From the moment the sperm unites with an egg in the process of fertilization, the complicated and miraculous process of development begins. This new beginning that happens through the prenatal development of a woman's womb over the next 9 months has a tremendous effect on the course of development. The process obviously has safeguards built into it that help ensure that the newborn infant is healthy and fully ready to enter the world. But of course this system of development is not perfect and there are a number of potential threats that are substantial. Due to advances in our world today we know a great deal about ways to help a mother get through her pregnancy without complications and how to help the newborn get off to the best possible start in life.
Genetic Beginnings
Every human began their lives when their mother's egg joined with their father's sperm to form a zygote, which is the fertilized egg that will begin to divide into cells that will eventually develop into the embryo. The egg and sperm each contain half of our genetic material which is organized into 23 strands of genes which we call chromosomes. During fertilization of the human egg occurs the genetic materials from the sperm pairs up with the genetic material from the egg to form 23 matched pairs of chromosomes, ea ch chromosome pair of genes with the same function pair up. Within each chromosome there are X's and Y's, X standing for the female chromosomes and Y standing for the male chromosomes. When the egg and the sperm unite it's the father's contribution of either an X or Y chromosome that ends up determining the sex of the child; conception with two X chromosomes is a female and conception with an X and Y chromosome is a male.
Genetic Beginnings
Every human began their lives when their mother's egg joined with their father's sperm to form a zygote, which is the fertilized egg that will begin to divide into cells that will eventually develop into the embryo. The egg and sperm each contain half of our genetic material which is organized into 23 strands of genes which we call chromosomes. During fertilization of the human egg occurs the genetic materials from the sperm pairs up with the genetic material from the egg to form 23 matched pairs of chromosomes, ea ch chromosome pair of genes with the same function pair up. Within each chromosome there are X's and Y's, X standing for the female chromosomes and Y standing for the male chromosomes. When the egg and the sperm unite it's the father's contribution of either an X or Y chromosome that ends up determining the sex of the child; conception with two X chromosomes is a female and conception with an X and Y chromosome is a male.
Stages of Prenatal Development
1. Germinal Stage [conception to 2 weeks]- begins when the sperm penetrates the egg until implantation which with the ovum undergoes cell division several times, travels to the uterus and in form a blastocyst beings to implant itself in the endometrium
2. Embryonic Stage [2 weeks to 2 months]- the conception is now known as the embryo and the mass of cells becomes a distinct human being
3. Fetal Stage [2 moths to birth]- characterized by the continued growth of the fetus and a remarkable increase in size and weight
1. Germinal Stage [conception to 2 weeks]- begins when the sperm penetrates the egg until implantation which with the ovum undergoes cell division several times, travels to the uterus and in form a blastocyst beings to implant itself in the endometrium
2. Embryonic Stage [2 weeks to 2 months]- the conception is now known as the embryo and the mass of cells becomes a distinct human being
3. Fetal Stage [2 moths to birth]- characterized by the continued growth of the fetus and a remarkable increase in size and weight
What to expectant when your expecting
For the expectant mother the 9 months of pregnancy are divided into 3 month periods which are refereed to as trimesters. During the first trimester it may not be apparent to other people that the woman is even pregnant, yet changes in hormones may cause certain effects. In the second trimester the pregnancy becomes more noticeable as the fetus begins to grow larger. In the third trimester the fetus continues to grow larger and the mother becomes more tired and uncomfortable. As an expectant father there are many changes that occur as he learns he is about to become a father. Most of these changes are psychological and emotional but there are men that go through a phenomenon called couvade. Couvade is a sympathetic pregnancy in which a man experiences a variety of symptoms associated with pregnancy or childbirth while his partner is pregnant. These symptoms include weight gain, nausea, indigestion, backaches, mood swings, and food cravings. A fathers emotional investment during pregnancy is important through nurturing and caring for his partner. Many men will accompany their partners to doctor's appointments or childbirth classes. Its essential to have good information about everything that is going on with his partner and learning ways that can he can provide assistance and better prepare him for his transition into fatherhood.
Maternal Health and Well- Being
It is common for an expectant mother to see a physician on a regular basis, particularly early in the pregnancy it helps to prevent problems later on in the pregnancy and at birth. Most women will see their doctor for the first time between 2 and 4 weeks after a missed period and then every 2 weeks until they are a month away from their due date at which they will then they will have weekly visits. One of the most essential elements for both the mother and the baby is a well- balanced diet. On average a woman should gain an extra 300 calories a day. It is recommended that the mother gain at least 25-35 pounds. The goal is for the infant to weight between 7- 8 pounds.A pregnant woman should be sure that her diet has an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Folic acid in particular plays an important role in preventing defects of the brain and spinal cord. Doctors may recommend iron or calcium supplements. There is also foods that a pregnant woman should avoid. Such foods as, soft cheeses, uncooked hot dogs. luncheon meats, and certain fish. It has been proven that caffeine has a relationship between miscarriage with heavier consumption amounts.
Teratogens
There are a variety of factors that can have negative effects on prenatal development. Agents that can can malformations in an embryo or a fetus are broadly referred to as teratogens. It includes diseases that the mother has or contracts during her pregnancy, things that she ingests, and toxins in the environment. Each teratogen has a specific effect on the developing embryo or fetus resulting in structural abnormalities or a functional deflects.
Alcohol, Smoking and Drug Usage
Of course it is known that alcohol, smoking and drug usage is not recommenced for woman that are pregnant. When an alcoholic beverage is consumed it enters the bloodstream and circulates through your system until your liver can break it down. During that time the alcohol crosses the placenta and does damage to the embryo and fetus. The most clear- cut effect of alcohol during pregnancy is seen in children born to women who consumed excessive quantities. Due to alcohol such diseases like fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) can occur. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects in the United States. As for smoking, both firsthand smoking and secondhand smoking during pregnancy can cause problems. Because of the nicotine in the smoke and how it constricts the blood vessels, it causes a limit of the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through the placenta. Maternal smoking while pregnant is a major contributor to later development problems for the child. When it comes to drugs and over the counter prescriptions it is best for pregnant woman to try to avoid them. If there is a need to take medications the expectant mother should consult their doctor or physician before taking anything. As for legal drugs it is always best for pregnant woman to avoid all of these substances as for many of them cause many different developmental delays and problems.
Diseases
There are many different disease that can be transmitted from the mother to the newborn. Women should be screened for sexually transmitted infections early in their pregnancy. Diseases such as syphilis and HIV can cross the placenta and infect the baby prenatally. As for gonorrhea, genital herpes, and chlamydia are present in the birth canal and can infect the baby during the birthing process. Neonatal herpes is another maternal infection that can lead to devastating consequences. Most infants who are born with these diseases do not respond to treatment well and are at risk for neurological damage, mental retardation and or both.
For the expectant mother the 9 months of pregnancy are divided into 3 month periods which are refereed to as trimesters. During the first trimester it may not be apparent to other people that the woman is even pregnant, yet changes in hormones may cause certain effects. In the second trimester the pregnancy becomes more noticeable as the fetus begins to grow larger. In the third trimester the fetus continues to grow larger and the mother becomes more tired and uncomfortable. As an expectant father there are many changes that occur as he learns he is about to become a father. Most of these changes are psychological and emotional but there are men that go through a phenomenon called couvade. Couvade is a sympathetic pregnancy in which a man experiences a variety of symptoms associated with pregnancy or childbirth while his partner is pregnant. These symptoms include weight gain, nausea, indigestion, backaches, mood swings, and food cravings. A fathers emotional investment during pregnancy is important through nurturing and caring for his partner. Many men will accompany their partners to doctor's appointments or childbirth classes. Its essential to have good information about everything that is going on with his partner and learning ways that can he can provide assistance and better prepare him for his transition into fatherhood.
Maternal Health and Well- Being
It is common for an expectant mother to see a physician on a regular basis, particularly early in the pregnancy it helps to prevent problems later on in the pregnancy and at birth. Most women will see their doctor for the first time between 2 and 4 weeks after a missed period and then every 2 weeks until they are a month away from their due date at which they will then they will have weekly visits. One of the most essential elements for both the mother and the baby is a well- balanced diet. On average a woman should gain an extra 300 calories a day. It is recommended that the mother gain at least 25-35 pounds. The goal is for the infant to weight between 7- 8 pounds.A pregnant woman should be sure that her diet has an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Folic acid in particular plays an important role in preventing defects of the brain and spinal cord. Doctors may recommend iron or calcium supplements. There is also foods that a pregnant woman should avoid. Such foods as, soft cheeses, uncooked hot dogs. luncheon meats, and certain fish. It has been proven that caffeine has a relationship between miscarriage with heavier consumption amounts.
Teratogens
There are a variety of factors that can have negative effects on prenatal development. Agents that can can malformations in an embryo or a fetus are broadly referred to as teratogens. It includes diseases that the mother has or contracts during her pregnancy, things that she ingests, and toxins in the environment. Each teratogen has a specific effect on the developing embryo or fetus resulting in structural abnormalities or a functional deflects.
Alcohol, Smoking and Drug Usage
Of course it is known that alcohol, smoking and drug usage is not recommenced for woman that are pregnant. When an alcoholic beverage is consumed it enters the bloodstream and circulates through your system until your liver can break it down. During that time the alcohol crosses the placenta and does damage to the embryo and fetus. The most clear- cut effect of alcohol during pregnancy is seen in children born to women who consumed excessive quantities. Due to alcohol such diseases like fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) can occur. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects in the United States. As for smoking, both firsthand smoking and secondhand smoking during pregnancy can cause problems. Because of the nicotine in the smoke and how it constricts the blood vessels, it causes a limit of the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through the placenta. Maternal smoking while pregnant is a major contributor to later development problems for the child. When it comes to drugs and over the counter prescriptions it is best for pregnant woman to try to avoid them. If there is a need to take medications the expectant mother should consult their doctor or physician before taking anything. As for legal drugs it is always best for pregnant woman to avoid all of these substances as for many of them cause many different developmental delays and problems.
Diseases
There are many different disease that can be transmitted from the mother to the newborn. Women should be screened for sexually transmitted infections early in their pregnancy. Diseases such as syphilis and HIV can cross the placenta and infect the baby prenatally. As for gonorrhea, genital herpes, and chlamydia are present in the birth canal and can infect the baby during the birthing process. Neonatal herpes is another maternal infection that can lead to devastating consequences. Most infants who are born with these diseases do not respond to treatment well and are at risk for neurological damage, mental retardation and or both.
The Birth Experience
As the 9 month period comes to and end, the beginning of the birthing experience begins to take place. This is stage where contractions begin, dilation occurs and the newborn is born.
Stages of Labor-
1. The process of contractions and dilation of the cervix (early labor)
2. Urge to push until delivery of the baby (active labor)
3. Delivery of the placenta (transition)
Birthing Options-
Setting: *hospital *birthing center *home
Professional: *physician *midwife *doula
Options: *water birth *cesarean *vaginal birth
Birth Techniques-
*epidural *breathing techniques *position changes/ moving around *relaxation *visualization *hypnosis *massage *acupressure
As the 9 month period comes to and end, the beginning of the birthing experience begins to take place. This is stage where contractions begin, dilation occurs and the newborn is born.
Stages of Labor-
1. The process of contractions and dilation of the cervix (early labor)
2. Urge to push until delivery of the baby (active labor)
3. Delivery of the placenta (transition)
Birthing Options-
Setting: *hospital *birthing center *home
Professional: *physician *midwife *doula
Options: *water birth *cesarean *vaginal birth
Birth Techniques-
*epidural *breathing techniques *position changes/ moving around *relaxation *visualization *hypnosis *massage *acupressure
Experience of the Baby
For the newborn the baby is pushed through the birth canal as it rapidly goes from a warm, quite. and dark prenatal environment to a bright, noisy, and cold postnatal environment. Most babies wont delivered into the world begin breathing spontaneously. After the baby has emerged the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The baby's overall condition is assessed using the Apgar Scale, in which the baby's are assessed in activity level, pulse, grimace, appearance and respiration.
The Newborn
Newborns have limited capacity to process information from the environment, so they have a set of infant states that represent their levels on consciousness. Newborns spend most of their time sleeping and eating. They sleep on average 16 hours a day and wake up every 3-4 hours to eat. When infants are awake they tend to be in a state of quiet alertness in which their eyes are open and they are attentive to what is going on. They may also be in a state of active alertness which they are alert to whats going on but they are moving around. Most newborns can hear, taste, smell and respond to touch, some may be more advanced in certain areas than others.
Risks to Infants' Health and Well- Being
The leading cause of death for children between ages 1 month and 1 year is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), where an apparently healthy infant unexpectedly dies. Unfortunately there is no understanding to the cause of SIDS, but there are some precautions that can take place. For instance lying an infant down on their back has done a great deal to reduce the incidence of SIDS. Other risk to infants include prematurity that happens when an infant is born before the gestational age of 37 weeks. As well infants that are determined as low birth weight infants by being born full term, yet weigh less than 5 pounds, 4 oz..
Transitions
Becoming a parent is one of life's most important transitions. Becoming a parent effects all aspects of your life including your sense of identity, relationships with your partner and others, and your career. Both the mother and the father go through their own set on transitions as well as transitions of becoming a family together.
For the newborn the baby is pushed through the birth canal as it rapidly goes from a warm, quite. and dark prenatal environment to a bright, noisy, and cold postnatal environment. Most babies wont delivered into the world begin breathing spontaneously. After the baby has emerged the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The baby's overall condition is assessed using the Apgar Scale, in which the baby's are assessed in activity level, pulse, grimace, appearance and respiration.
The Newborn
Newborns have limited capacity to process information from the environment, so they have a set of infant states that represent their levels on consciousness. Newborns spend most of their time sleeping and eating. They sleep on average 16 hours a day and wake up every 3-4 hours to eat. When infants are awake they tend to be in a state of quiet alertness in which their eyes are open and they are attentive to what is going on. They may also be in a state of active alertness which they are alert to whats going on but they are moving around. Most newborns can hear, taste, smell and respond to touch, some may be more advanced in certain areas than others.
Risks to Infants' Health and Well- Being
The leading cause of death for children between ages 1 month and 1 year is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), where an apparently healthy infant unexpectedly dies. Unfortunately there is no understanding to the cause of SIDS, but there are some precautions that can take place. For instance lying an infant down on their back has done a great deal to reduce the incidence of SIDS. Other risk to infants include prematurity that happens when an infant is born before the gestational age of 37 weeks. As well infants that are determined as low birth weight infants by being born full term, yet weigh less than 5 pounds, 4 oz..
Transitions
Becoming a parent is one of life's most important transitions. Becoming a parent effects all aspects of your life including your sense of identity, relationships with your partner and others, and your career. Both the mother and the father go through their own set on transitions as well as transitions of becoming a family together.