Periods of prenatal development
Prenatal period is an integral part of a child development process. The prenatal period and development happen in three main events and stages. It is in the first two weeks after conception that the germinal stage begins. The sperm and the egg meet in the fallopian tube and later heads out to the uterus where one process leads to another leading to implantation. The second stage of development occurs in the third to the eighth week of pregnancy, it is known as the embryonic period. At this period, the mass of cells unites to form distinct as a human. The brain is developed at this period. In the fetal stage that begins in the ninth week to the week of birth. This is the period the embryo becomes a fetus. It is during this period that the neural tube and the spinal cord form.
Teratogens that affect prenatal development
A teratogen is an environmental agent that can pose a risk to a developing fetus; the agent can be biological, chemical or physical. Exposing yourself to teratogens during the prenatal development and stage can raise the chances of birth defects, the level of exposure to a certain teratogen influence the amount of damage. Some of the common teratogens that expectant mothers are advised to avoid include tobacco and alcohol and use of illegal drugs and scanning the body full of rays. Alcohol affects the fetus and crosses the placenta. Excessive consumption of alcohol intake causes the alcohol disorders in the child. Use of illegal drugs and prescription drugs are also to be avoided during pregnancy. Smoking too should be avoided during pregnancy because nicotine from the tobacco passes to the placenta and to the fetus ( Rasmussen, S2012 ).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Ways of having a healthy pregnancy and reduce prenatal risks
It is always safe to keep the baby healthy to avoid any prenatal issues and during birth problems. It is then important to visit the prenatal care more often. The physician is able to diagnose any problems while at the early stages. Eating well is crucial for expectant mothers because the fetus needs nutrients and vitamins from the food consumed. Taking supplements is also essential to avoid and reduce prenatal risks. Folic acid and vitamin D have been proven to be of great benefit to a healthy pregnancy. Exercising regularly is another crucial practice needed for expectant mothers to help cope with the changes to posture, pregnancy complications can be avoided by exercising regularly.
Describe infant risks and ways to minimize such risks
Infant’s sudden death is a condition where infants die during their sleep. The sudden unexplained deaths happen to a seemingly healthy baby usually a year of age or less. The causes of these deaths are unknown and it most pediatricians have associated these deaths with birth defects. Environmental and physical factors are some of the common factors that can cause sudden death in infants. Environmental factors that can cause injury and sudden deaths may include overheating and sleeping on the stomach side. By immunizing the baby, exclusive breastfeeding and placing the baby to sleep on his/her, back can minimize the chances of sudden deaths and injuries happening.
Attachment issues during infancy.
Attachment is the relationship that exists between a child and the caregiver and this is to purposely make the child safe and protected. An attachment provides comfort for the child. Reactive attachment disorder is one of the main challenges that face caregivers during infancy attachment. The disorder prevents babies from achieving the ultimate bond and attachment with their caregivers. Children may face emotional neglect once an attachment is not formed (Shumaker et al., 2009).
Tips for fostering healthy Infant development
It is of great importance to learn to foster a healthy relationship with the infant during his/her development. It is crucial to respond to babies cues since they respond to new events and people. It is also crucial to incorporate interaction with the baby by singing and narrating to your baby ( Johnson, 2010 ).
References
Johnson, S. P. (2010). How Infants Learn About the Visual World. Cognitive Science , 34 (7), 1158–1184. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1551-6709.2010.01127.x
Rasmussen, S. A. (2012). Human Teratogens Update 2011: Can We Ensure Safety during Pregnancy? Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology , 94 (3), 123–128. http://doi.org/10.1002/bdra.22887
Shumaker, D. M., Deutsch, R. M., & Brenninkmeyer, L. (2009). How Do I Connect? Attachment Issues in Adolescence. Journal of Child Custody, 6, 91-112.
