Module 4
1. Module 4
1.10. Page 3
Module 4—From Fertilization to Birth
Reflect and Connect
Prenatal development extends through the embryonic period and the fetal stage, Reflect on the significance of the three trimesters and the events of each trimester. Consider the influence of teratogens during the first trimester and how they can have permanent effects on the developing child.
Record in your course folder any information from this lesson that could be relevant to your work on the Fertility Case Study.
Module 4: Lesson 2 Assignment
Retrieve the copy of the Module 4: Lesson 2 Assignment that you saved to your computer earlier in this lesson. Complete the assignment.
You will receive instructions on when to submit your assignment to your teacher later in this lesson.
Reflect on the Big Picture
When a couple wanting children discovers that they are pregnant, it is an awesome and exciting journey to birth. However, many expecting couples choose to wait until the pregnancy is at least three months along, or until the end of the first trimester, before they announce the pregnancy to friends and family. This time frame corresponds to the completion of embryonic development and the first month of fetal development. This is the most crucial period of the pregnancy. Most miscarriages happening within the first 13 weeks of a pregnancy are due to chromosomal abnormalities that prevent normal embryonic and fetal development. Waiting until after the thirteenth week to announce a pregnancy often saves the discomfort of having to answer questions about the pregnancy if the baby is lost. However, miscarriages still occur beyond thirteen weeks, and a stillbirth can occur at full term. There are many hazards on the journey to birth.
Fertility Case Study Update
Jane and John had their pregnancy confirmed and were able to get through the first 13 weeks with no complications. Because Jane and John knew that they wanted to conceive, Jane had been watching her nutritional requirements and her exposure to any harmful substances.
Going Beyond
There are so many complications that can affect prenatal development. One of the most common developmental problems is premature birth, in which fetal development is not completed to full term. Do research on premature birth to answer some, or all, of the following questions.
- How small can a baby be and still survive outside the womb?
- What are some of the complications for babies that are born early?
- How are preemies cared for immediately following birth, and then a few weeks after birth?
- What is “kangaroo care” for preemies?
- Are there any residual complications of premature birth that can carry over into later childhood or adulthood?
Module 4: Lesson 2 Assignment
Submit your completed Module 4: Lesson 2 Assignment to your teacher for assessment.