Question

Describe the three stages of prenatal development and the major developmental changes that occur within each of the stages. Choose one of the environmental agents or teratogens that harm the developing baby and the impact of such exposure in pregnancy . Also find a research article showing the effects of one of the environmental agents discussed in the textbook and the notes .

Answer 1

Describe the three stages of prenatal development and the major developmental changes that occur within each of the stages. Choose one of the environmental agents or teratogens that harm the developing baby and the impact of such exposure in pregnancy .

The three stages of prenatal development are:

• The germinal stage: this stage occurs two weeks after conception. This is when the sperm would be combining with the egg so as to result in the formation of the zygote. The zygote starts dividing quickly after 36 hours of conception. The ball cells that are formed, keep dividing quickly and move along the Fallopian tube.
• The embryonic stage: this stage would be lasting from the germinal stage end to after two months of conception. There is formation of most of the major organs in this stage, making the embryo fairly fragile. Some of the biggest dangers in this condition are the teratogens such as drugs, viruses, or different radiations.
• The fetal stage: this is the last stage of development. Almost one month after entering in this stage, there would be development of the se-x organs. The foetus would start to grow quickly and the muscles would begin to form. There would be development if the organ structures and these begin to function.

Some of the teratogens include drugs, alcohol, smoke, cocaine. Teratogens are referred to as the substances that would be causing harm to the foetus. An example of teratogens used is tobacco.

Tobacco causes many problems, which include:

• Miscarriages
• Detachment of placenta
• Premature birth
• Sudden infant death syndrome
• Birth defects such as mental retardation