PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

hysical development is the largest

At around 9 to 12 weeks
part of the growth throughout the
the embryo becomes a

pregnancy. In the nine months of prenatal

(Berk, 2013)

Fetus, this is what it is

time, the baby changes dramatically in

referred to as for the remainder of the
physically characteristics from a single cell
pregnancy until birth. At this stage a Fetus
to a small human with all the functions and
now looks like a small person fully
characteristics of one!
developed with arms legs, fingers, toes,
The first 2 weeks are

genitals, and a face with tiny ears, eyes and

important

nose (Berk, 2013).

weeks

of

development when the

The following weeks from

(Berk, 2013)

developing one-celled life is called a

weeks 13 to 38 the Fetus is
Zygote. The Zygote then forms into an
rapidly growing in size and
Embryo from weeks 5 to 8 developing many

(U.S. Department of Health & Services, 2010)

making him or herself known! The brain, the

of the internal and external body parts like
lungs, eyes, and other internal organs and
the face, arms, legs along with the heart,
tissues are developing and maturing. The
muscles, ribs and spine (Berk, 2013). The
fetus develops body fat, antibodies to protect
Zygote also begin development of the brain
them and prepare them for birth (U.S.
at week 5 (U.S. National Library of
Department of Health & Human Services,
Medicine, 2016).
2010).

hroughout the pregnancy the doctor

doctor).

Do not drink

may require a series of tests to insure

any alcoholic beverages,

your baby is healthy and developing

do not smoke or use

(U.S. Dept. of Health & Services, 2010)

normally. Some of these tests can include

other tobacco products and stay away from

maternal blood analysis and ultrasounds. If

any kind of street drugs, over the counters

there is a possibility of defect, the doctor

medications

or

may run more tests to determine the cause

prescription

medications

and treatment for both you and your baby

consulting your obstetrician (Berk, 2013;

(Berk, 2013).

U.S. Department of Health & Services,

herbal

remedies,

and

without

first

2009). Remember, if you are ever unsure,

Some signs of atypical development of the
ask your obstetrician!
fetus can include extra amniotic fluid behind
the neck, abnormal levels of the proteins in
the mothers blood, and abnormal the size or

ocial and cultural factors that can

influence this stage are whether or not

weight of the baby at certain times during

a mother has access to prenatal healthcare,

the pregnancy. With an ultrasound the

proper nutrition, maternal education, and

doctor can also check the functioning of the

help emotionally, physically and financially

heart, diaphragm, lungs and development of

(Berk, 2013). Some cultures believe in

the brain and spine (CDC, 2016).

raising children within single family groups

and others believe in the entire community

Tips

for

healthy,
helping in the rearing of children. There is

happy,

baby?

Eat

healthy

foods,

takes

no right or wrong way to bring a child into

(The Womens Centre for Well Being, 2016)

the world, as long as it is done with the

prenatal vitamins, drink plenty of fluids and

childs best interest in mind.
exercise daily (with the approval of your

health.gov/files/assets/docs/charts-

References

checklists-guides/pregnancy-dosBerk, L. E. (2013). Child development. (9th

donts.pdf

ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:

U.S. Department of Health & Services
Center for Disease Control and Prevention

(2010). Pregnancy. Retrieved from

(CDC) (2016). During Pregnancy:

https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregna

Prenatal

ncy/you-are-pregnant/stages-of-

Testing.

Retrieved

from

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefect
s/diagnosis.html
The Womens Centre for Well Being (2016)
The Dos and Donts for a Healthy
Pregnancy.

Retrieved

from

http://drgeadsdavinci.com/the-dos-anddonts-for-a-healthy-pregnancy/

(used

for the photo only)

U.S. National Library of Medicine (2016).
Fetal Development. Retrieved from
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/00
2398.htm
U.S. Department of Health & Services
(2009). Healthy Pregnancy: Dos and
Donts. Retrieved https://www.womens

pregnancy.html