FEM 3101

Developmental Psychology : Children and

Adolescents

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

DR. NELLIE BINTI ISMAIL

nellie@upm.edu.my/03-97697081
3 STAGES IN PRENATAL
DEVELOPMENT

1. Germinal stage
2. Embryonic stage
3. Fetal stage
• Principles:
• Cephalocaudal principle
• Proximodistal principle
 PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT
DAD (sperm) MOM (Ovum)
½ sel (23 chromosom X or Y) ½ sel (23 chromosom X)

Conception
(Persenyawaan)
Stage 1:
Zygot Germinal

Stage 2:
Embryo Embryonic

Fetus Stage 3:
Fetal

Baby
 FIRST STAGE: GERMINAL
• Starts at conception
(fertilization) until
implantation  14 days.
• Conception process  When
the sperms meets the egg
(ovum) in the fallopian tube
 travel down into the uterus
where it implants in the
uterine lining and begin to
grow (implantation).
 REPRODUCTION
• In order for conception to occur, there must be three
factors present:
• the egg
• the sperm
• a medium in which the sperm can travel to reach the
fallopian tubes.
 CONCEPTION SPERM is the male reproductive cell

The OVUM is the female

Chief Characteristics:
reproductive cell
1. Tightly packed tip (acrosome) that contains
Chief Characteristics: 23 chromosomes that carry genetic
1. Round information
2. .01 mm in diameter 2. Short neck region & tail to propel it in its
3. Consistency of stiff jelly search for the ovum
4. Contributes 23 chromosomes 3. Microscopic
Fact:
Fact: • Remains capable of fertilizing egg for 24-48
• Females already have 1-2 million hours after ejaculation an can live up to five
primal eggs at birth days in fertile quality cervical fluid
• Eggs usually fertilized about 12
• Of 200 million sperm that enter the vagina,
hours after discharged from the
ovary or they die within 12-24 only about 200 survive the journey to the
hours fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs
• Males, at birth, have in their testes those cells
that will eventually produce sperm
 THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
• Uterus
• A muscular chamber about the size and shape of
a pear.
• Located in a woman's abdomen, is a hollow, elastic
reproductive organ, where a baby develops during
pregnancy.
• Once egg is release the corpus luteum remains
behind on the interior ovarian wall, and starts releasing
progesterone  Progesterone quickly stops the
release of all other eggs until the next cycle.
• If the egg does not become fertilized as it travels down
the fallopian tube on its way to the uterus, the
endometrium (lining of the uterus) is shed and passes
through the vagina through a process called
menstruation.
 PREGNANCY
• If the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell as it
travels down the fallopian tube, then
pregnancy occurs, it becomes attached to
the lining of the uterus
• Conception occurs when the sperm
meets and penetrates the ovum, or egg
• Normally, only one sperms will succeed
penetrating through the ovum wall.
• When one sperms succeeded
penetrating the ovum wall, a protective
lining will form around it preventing
other sperms to enter/penetrate.
• The combination of ovum & sperms  form zygote
(with one nucleus).
• Zygote will later develop into blastocyst a complex
organism with millions of cells  with various functions
• Rapid cell division, increasing complexity and
differentiation, and implantation
 FERTILIZATION PROCESS

Fertilization: the sperm and Zygote = a fertilized egg,

only thirty hours after
egg join in the fallopian tube
conception.
to form a unique human
being.
ZYGOTIC PERIOD
(CONCEPTION - 1ST WEEK)

• A zygote is a fertilized egg with 46 chromosomes

• Genetic potential determined at this time
• Egg is 2.5 mm in diameter at end of 1st week
• Mitosis - a process of cell division occurs during this
period
• A human zygote exists as a single cell before undergoing
cleavage  becomes a blastocyst on the fifth day
EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF A HUMAN EMBRYO
EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF A HUMAN EMBRYO
• As soon as the fertilized egg burrows
into the lining, it starts releasing a
pregnancy hormone, HCG (Human
Chorionic Gonadotropin) which sends a
message back to the corpus luteum left
behind on the ovarian wall.
• HCG signals the corpus luteum to
remain alive beyond its usual maximum
of 16 days and continuing to release
progesterone long enough to sustain the
nourishing lining.
• After several months, the placenta takes
over, not only maintaining the
endometrium, but providing all the
oxygen and nutrients the fetus needs to
thrive.
 CELLS DIVISION

• There are two type of cell division, i.e.

Mitosis and meiosis
o Mitosis - Division & multiplication of other
body cells
o Meiosis process - Division of Reproductive cells
 CELLS DIVISION
• Mitosis is cell division that results in the duplication of cells
 genetic copies of the parent cell. This cell multiplication
allows for replacement of old cells, tissue repair, growth and
development.
• Mitosis – i.e the creation of new cells through duplication &
divisions of cells  cells duplicates (From 1 24  16
32, etc)
• Cells developed into organs, brain, heart, etc.
 MEIOSIS IS SEX CELL (GAMETE)
FORMATION
Meiosis is a complex process by which gametes form;
involves duplication and division of reproductive
cells and their chromosomes.
The number of chromosomes in cells divide into
two’s, and each set of cell will receive 1 from each
sets of chromosomes  makes up 23 sets.
• This type of cell division results in the production of
gametes (eggs or sperm).
• Meiosis process is much more complex than mitosis
because it involves the duplication and subsequent
division of chromosomes – that makes up genetic
code.
 MECHANISMS OF HEREDITY

• The Genetic Code

• Basis of heredity is a chemical called
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which contains all the
inherited material passed from biological parents
to children
• Every cell except the sex cells has 23 pairs of
chromosomes, 23 (M) + 23 (F) = 46 in all
• Genetic action that triggers growth of body and
brain is often regulated by hormones
 GENETIC CODE

Genetic information are kept in chromosomes  ie. A long

& complex set of DNA molecules.
Genes is a segment of DNA molecules  contains
instructions for making protein.
Human being is said to have 100 trillions of cells in the
body  with specific functions; and is distributed through
46 chromosomes, ie. 23 from father & 23 from mother.
Genetic Foundation
• Genotype (genetic makeup)
• Phenotype (observable characteristics)
HEREDITARY COMPOSITION OF THE
ZYGOTE
 BOY OR GIRL???
• Boy or girl?
• Chromosomes determine sex :
• 23 pairs of sex chromosomes
• Female : XX pairs of sex chromosomes
• Male : XY pairs of sex chromosomes
• When an ovum (X) is fertilized by an X-carrying sperm, the zygote
formed is XX, a female
• When an ovum (X) is fertilized by a Y-carrying sperm, the resulting
zygote is XY, a male

Dad=XY Mom=XX

X X
Y X

XY (Son) XX (Daughter)
• What Causes Multiple Births?
• Dizygotic (two-egg) twins = fraternal twins
• Monozygotic (one-egg) twins = identical twins
• The rise in multiple births is due in part to a trend
toward delayed childbearing
• Infertility
• Inability to conceive a baby after 12 to 18 months of
trying
2ND STAGE IN PRENATAL
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
EMBRYONIC STAGE
 2ND STAGE: EMBRYONIC PERIOD
(2ND WEEK – 8TH WEEK)

• The phase after implantation  after the

development of zygote  and developing its blastosist.
• Embryo composed of millions of cells with various
functions (week 3-8)
• Rapid growth and development of major body
systems and organs
• A critical period
• Trimesters
• Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
• Stillborn
 PHASES IN PREGNANCY

1st Trimester 2nd Trimester 3rd Trimester

• week 1-12 • week 13 -24 • week 25 & above
 2ND STAGE: EMBRYONIC PERIOD
(2ND WEEK - 2ND MONTH)

• The differentiation of embryonic cells into

layers marks the beginning of the embryo,
or embryonic period
• Period when all body systems form
• Highly sensitive for susceptibility of
congenital malformations or abnormal
conditions with which an infant is born
EMBRYONIC PERIOD: END OF THE 1ST
MONTH
• 1/4 inch (6 mm) long
• 1 oz. Weight
• Crescent-shaped with
small limb buds on sides
• Tail with tiny ridges
• Rudimentary circulatory
system is forming
• Heart begins to beat
• Growth acceleration
EMBRYONIC PERIOD: 7 WEEKS

• Facial features are visible,

including a mouth and tongue.
• The eyes have a retina and lens.
• The major muscle system is
developed, and the unborn child
practices moving.
• The child has its own blood type,
distinct from the mother's.
• These blood cells are produced by
the liver now instead of the yolk
sac.
EMBRYONIC PERIOD: END OF 2ND MONTH

• 1.5 inches long

• Beginning of face, neck, fingers,
toes develop
• Limb buds lengthen
• Muscles enlarge
• Sex organs begin to form
• Rapid brain development
• Embryo is firmly planted on
uterine wall and is receiving
nourishment from placenta and
umbilical cord
3RD STAGE IN PRENATAL
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
FETAL STAGE
 3RD STAGE: FETAL STAGE
(8 WEEKS TO BIRTH)
• Embryo develops  fetus (baby in the uterus).
• Cells that represents eyes, head, body, hands, legs 
further develops  larger.
• The period of consumption until baby is born  40
weeks (sometimes 36-38 weeks).
• Increased detail of body parts and greatly enlarged
body size
• Finishing touches
• Fetal behavior
• Ultrasound
EARLY FETAL PERIOD: 3RD - 6TH MONTH

• Period of the fetus begins

around the 3rd month and
continues until delivery
• Movement first becomes
apparent to mother at this
time
• No new anatomical features
appear during this period, yet
still critical time
 EARLY FETAL PERIOD: 3RD MONTH

• Rapid growth, 3 inches long

at end of 3rd month
• Sexual differentiation
continues
• Teeth buds emerge
• Stomach and kidneys begin
to function
• Vocal cords appear
• Reflex actions felt:
opens/closes mouth,
clenches fist, sucks thumb
 EARLY FETAL PERIOD: 4TH MONTH

• Most rapid growth rate

(doubles in length to 6-
8 inches)
• 6 oz. Weight
• Hands fully shaped
• Bony tissue begins to
form
 EARLY FETAL PERIOD: 5TH MONTH

• Reaches 1/2 of birth length

(8-10 inches)
• Only 10% of birth weight
• Skin, hair, nails appear
• Internal organs grow and
assume proper anatomical
positions
• Pigmented hair on head &
eyebrows appears
 EARLY FETAL PERIOD: 6TH MONTH

• 13 inches long
• ½ kg /500gm
• Eyelids reopen and are
completed
• Structurally complete but
functionally immature
 LATER FETAL PERIOD: 7TH-9TH
MONTH/BIRTH

• From the 7th month to

birth, the fetus triples in
weight
• This is a period of filling
out
• Preparation for birth
 LATER FETAL PERIOD:7TH MONTH

• A layer of adipose tissue begins to

form under skin (serves as both
insulator & food supplier)
• Rapid Weight gain (1-1.8 kg)

• 14-16 inches long

• Fetus is quiet for long periods of

time
• Brain more active and is
increasing control over body
systems
LATER FETAL PERIOD: 8TH MONTH

• Fetus is more active

(frequent changes in
position)
• Fatty deposits
distributed
• 16-18 inches long
• 1.8- 2.7 kg
 LATER FETAL PERIOD: 9TH MONTH (BIRTH)

• 19-21 inches long

• 2.7 - 3.5 kg.

• Birth process is initiated by

placenta and contraction of
uterine muscles

• Birth generally occurs after

week 40 of gestation
(normal is 38-42 wks.)
 IMPORTANT PARTS IN THE UTERUS

• Amniotic Sac
• Placenta
• Amniotic fluid
• Umbilical cord
 Paternal
factors

Environmental
Maternal factors
-Teratogens

FACTORS
INFLUENCING
PRENATAL
DEVELOPMENT
 FACTORS INFLUENCING PRENATAL
DEVELOPMENT
• Maternal factors
• Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs
• Medical drugs [Thalidomide/DES/Aspirin]
• Caffeine
• Cocaine, heroin, or methadone
• Tobacco/Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Maternal Diseases
• Exercise & Physical activity
• Mother’s Diet/Nutrition
• Emotional Stress
• Rh Incompatibility
• Maternal age (Too young/too old)
• Mother’s Physical condition (size: too fat/ thin)
• Mother’s Emotion
• Mother’s Pregnancy history (Frequent
pregnancy/miscarriage/abortion)
 FACTORS INFLUENCING PRENATAL
DEVELOPMENT
• Paternal factors
• Environmentally caused defects
• Cocaine use
• Age (Too Young/Too Old)
• Smoking

• Environmental Influences
• (Teratogens - capable of causing birth defects)
• Teratogenic
• Radiation
• Environmental pollution
 PRENATAL CARE

• Why is prenatal care important?

• How can it be improved?
• What is the relationship between prenatal care and low birth
weight and premature births?
• How can we tell whether a new baby is healthy and is
developing normally?
• What complications of childbirth can endanger newborn
babies, and what can be done to increase the chances of a
positive outcome?
PRENATAL: DELIVERY
 PRENATAL TESTING AND SCREENING

• Women 30-39 are having more babies - risk down syndrome

(mental retardation & physical abnormalities)

• Amniocentesis - draws fluid from amniotic sac

• Ultrasound or sonography - uses high-frequency sound
waves
• Fetoscopy - small incision and optical viewer
• Chorionic villus sampling - snip tissue from fetal sac
• Maternal Blood Analysis/Maternal Serum Alpha
Fetoprotein
PRENATAL TESTING AND SCREENING
Amniocentesis Fetoscopy

Ultrasound Chorionic villus sampling

 TYPES OF DELIVERY METHODS

• Normal Delivery (Spontaneous vaginal delivery -

SVD)
• Forceps
• Vacuum
• Induction
• Cesarean
 FORCEPS DELIVERY

• Used when the mother’s

pushing during the second
stage of labor does not
cause the baby to move
through the birth canal in a
reasonable amount of time.
• Forceps are metal clamps
placed around the baby’s
head to pull the infant from
the birth canal.
• Risk: can result in head
injury or brain damage.
 VACUUM
EXTRACTION

• A vacuum
extractor is a
suction tube that
is attached to a
plastic cup placed
on the baby’s
head.
 INDUCED LABOR

• Labor is started artificially by breaking the

amnion and giving the mother a hormone that
stimulates contractions.
• Used when continuing the pregnancy threatens
the well-being of mother or baby.
• Contractions often longer, harder, and closer
together.
 CESAREAN DELIVERY

• A cesarean delivery is a surgical

birth in which the doctor makes an
incision in the mother’s abdomen &
lifts the baby out of the uterus.
• When babies are in a breech
position (turned so that the buttocks
or feet would be delivered first)
cesareans are often justified.
• Although the operation is safe,
mothers need more time for
recovery and cesarean newborns are
more likely to be sleepy and
unresponsive & to have breathing
difficulties.
 THE BIRTH PROCESS

• Stages of childbirth
• First stage
• Second stage
• Third stage
• Electronic fetal monitoring
• Track the baby’s heart
rate during labor.
• Safe procedure that has
saved the lives of many
babies in high-risk
situations.
STAGES OF CHILDBIRTH
THE BIRTH PROCESS
 STAGE 1 : DILATION OF THE CERVIX
• The longest stage of labor
• First baby  12 - 14 hours
• Sebsequent babies  4 - 6 hours
• Dilation of the cervix
• is the widening and thinning of the cervix 
resulting in a clear pathway from the uterus
into the birth canal.
• Contractions are forceful and regular
Gradually, they get closer together, occurring
every 2 to 3 minutes, and become more
powerful, continuing for as long as 60 seconds.
• Transition is reached when the frequency and
strength of contractions are at their peak and
the cervix opens completely.
 IN STAGE 2 : DELIVERY OF THE BABY

• First baby  50 minutes

• Subsequent births  20 minutes
• Strong contractions continue 
mother feels a natural urge to squeeze
and push with her abdominal muscles
 forcing the baby down and out.
• An episiotomy is a small incision at
the perineum  increases size of the
vaginal opening  permits baby to
pass without damaging the mother’s
tissues.
• The baby’s head crowns when the
vaginal opening stretches around the
entire head.
 STAGE 3: DELIVERY OF THE PLACENTA

• The final stage lasts about 5 to

10 minutes.
• The final contractions and
pushes cause the placenta to
separate from the uterine wall
and be delivered.
 BIRTH COMPLICATIONS

• Problem with mother

• Contraction not strong enough
• Problem in the uterus
• Placenta Previa
• Placenta Abruption
• Problem with baby
• Breech
• Head too big
 LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT
BABY
• Weight less than 2,500gm
• 1 in 16 infants is born underweight
• More common among low-income, ethnic minority pregnant
women.
• 2 categories:
• Preterm (premature)
• Baby born before completing the 35th week of gestation
• Small for date
• May not be preterm but weigh less than 90% of all babies of
the same gestational age
• Probably due to inadequate nutrition before birth. Perhaps
mothers didn’t eat well or placenta did not function normally
or babies themselves have defects that prevent them from
growing normally.
• May lead to a more serious problems such as Infections, Brain
damage, Infant death, Poor school achievement
• http://youtu.be/0xvJ-NNuR6M (1 From Embryo to Fetus)
• http://youtu.be/aw5v6_5GaLQ (2 From Embryo to Fetus)
• http://youtu.be/sqpmzEefWrk (Conception to Birth - Visualized)
• http://youtu.be/R-lrEBevJ60 (From Sperm to Fetus in 3D)
• http://youtu.be/WH9ZJu4wRUE (9 Months In The Womb: A Remarkable Look
At Fetal Development Through Ultrasound By PregnancyChat.com)
• http://youtu.be/Ba9LXKH2ztU (diff between mitosis & meiosis)
• http://youtu.be/oeK2kpGRsvs (Real Footage of developing baby(fetus) from
the uterus.. WOW
• http://youtu.be/h82ltr84_Yg ( How a baby develops during pregnancy)