Have you ever thought about what an absolute miracle your life is? You began with two microscopic cells and NOW look at you! You are trillions of cells all working together to allow you to sit up, read, feel, digest, and even, when the time is right, make a miracle of your own.

Unfortunately, the process of conception does not always work smoothly. For some couples infertility is a major concern.

This web page provides information about what happens after the two sex cells unite to create a person. It describes some of the many factors and concerns associated with pregnancy, prenatal development, and the neonate. We hope the information will help you gain some knowledge of the most precious thing any of us can be a part of: the miracle of life.

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To experience one couple's journey through the prenatal development of their child, visit this multimedia site. It provides a wonderful overview of the first nine months of development.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

• By the 25th day of development the heart begins to beat and the embryo is one-hundredth of an inch in length.
• At four weeks of age the embryo has limb buds that will become the arms and legs.
• Ten weeks after conception the embryo is now termed a fetus.
• The ability of the fetus to kick, swallow, and sleep is present at sixteen weeks.
• A 24 week old fetus can respond to sound.
• At the 28th week of development the fetus has lungs that can breathe air, and its eyes are open.
• After 38 weeks the "baby" is full term and ready to be born.

Growth Trends

Cephalocaudal- growth from the head to the feet (which is why a baby's head is disproportionate to his/her body)

Proximodistal- growth from the center to the limbs

The physical development of the human fetus is a complex and fascinating process. Learn more! Check out these related sites.

VARIOUS ASPECTS OF FETAL DEVELOPMENT

CALENDAR OF DEVELOPMENT

During prenatal development, the fetus also develps cognitively. There is new evidence that suggests one's intellecutal abilities can be positively influenced during the fetal and infant life stages.

HAZARDS TO PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

The fetus is not immuned from the outside world. In fact, some things can be damaging to the unborn child. These are called teratogens, and often result in birth defects. They include such things as maternal disease, poor nutrition, stress, pollutants, and cigarette smoking. Some of the most troubling teratogens are alcohol and drugs.

It is critical to the development of the fetus that expectant mothers avoid teratogens, and receive good prenatal care. Other prenatal hazards involve genetic birth defects.

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS

Types of Tests Used...

• ULTRA SOUND (SONOGRAPHY)
  • Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves directed into the abdomen. The echo from the sound is produced into pictures on a monitor.
  • This type of testing can be used to find fetal weight, length, position, number of fetuses, and various physical features or abnormalities.
• AMNIOCENTESIS
  • This is a medical procedure in which a sample of the amniotic fluid is withdrawn with a syringe.
  • The fluid is tested for chromosomal abnormalities, as well as metabolic disorders.
  • It is done between the 12th and 16th week of pregnancy.
  • Learn more about amniocentesis!
• CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING (CVS)
  • In this procedure a sample of the placenta is taken between the 8th and 11th week.
  • The results usually take about 10 days, and can show chromosomal abnormalities.
• MATERNAL BLOOD TEST
  • This also can be referred to as alpha-fetoprotein.
  • The blood test can be done in the 14th to 20th week.
  • Neural tube defects can be detected with this type of testing.

Types of Abnormalities...

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21): This is a situation where there are three of the 21st chromosomes, rather than the normal pair. Downs includes mental retardation and physical deformities to varying degrees. Some of the physical differences are a round face, protruding tongue, short limbs, and motor deficiency. Many people with Down Syndrome can live fairly normal and active lives. Maternal blood tests, CVS, and amniocentesis can be used to detect Downs.

 

Sickle Cell Disease and Anemia: This is when a person's red blood cells (RBC) are crescent shaped (instead of disk-shaped). An abnormal RBCs cause problems with that person's ability to use oxygen, and therefore can be a very deadly disease. Sickle Cell is mainly found in African Americans. Testing for Sickle Cell includes amniocentesis and CVS.

 

Anecephaly: Anecephaly is a very devastating neural tube disorder, which causes brain and skull malformation. Most children die at birth. Ultrasound and amniocentesis are used in diagnosis.

 

This was only meant to give the reader a very brief description and introduction to the vast world of prenatal diagnosis. Others abnormalities include Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, spinabifida, Turner's syndrome, and PKU. These are only a few of the many abnormalities that are detected every day by prenatal diagnosis. PLEASE, to better educate yourself about this subject, visit this related site.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

A major part in a baby's development is directly linked to the actions YOU, as the mother, take. To ensure that the baby stays healthy and continues normal development, you may have to make some changes. Pregnant women are encouraged not to use drugs, alcohol, or nicotine as this can seriously affect the baby's development. As a mother you should avoid drinking caffinated beverages such as coffee and soda while increasing water consumption. Though this all may seem difficult, you are taking an active part in keeping your baby healthy.

Exercising is also very important when pregnant. Although, while exercising, there are many warnings you must heed to to prevent any injury to either you or your child.

Some tips on what you should avoid in exercising while pregnant:

• Don't begin a workout without a warmup
• Don't exercise flat on your back, it can decrease the blood flow to your uterus
• Don't get dehydrated or overheated
• Don't get too fatigued

Some Safe Sports to Pursue During Pregnancy:

• Walking a 12-15 minute mile
• Swimming, because you are using your arms and legs, but the water is supporting your weight is a great exercise to do while pregnant
• Tennis is acceptable, but balance may be a problem
• Golf and bowling are also good recreational exercises, but they do nothing to condition the heart. In these, as in tennis, you may find you have some difficulty in keeping your balance

As a mother-to-be, it is important to learn more about keeping you and your baby healthy.

THE NEONATE

The birth of a child is a momentous and life altering event. It certainly changes the family dynamics.

NORMAL NEWBORN WEIGHTS AND MEASUREMENTS

• weight: 7-8 lbs.
• length: 19-21 inches
• vision: 20/40 - vision is clear at a 12 inch distance

NEONATAL TESTING

The Apgar Scale: Within the first five minutes after birth the infant is assessed for his or her general health.

• Evaluations
  • heart rate
  • respiratory effort
  • muscle tone
  • body color
  • reflex irritability
• Scoring
  • The infant receives a score of 0, 1, or 2 for each of the above mentioned health signs. This is performed by a obstetrician or nurse.
  • Results
    • 7-10 = normal or good condition
    • 5 = may have developmental difficulties
    • 3 or below= doubtful survival

The Brazelton Scale: The newborn is assessed hours after birth.

• Evaluations
  • neurological development
  • various reflexes
  • reactions to people in different circumstances
• Scoring
  • 27 tests are broken down into four categories
    • physiological
    • motoric
    • state
    • interaction
  • Results of the test are shown by terms such as: "worrisome", "normal", or "superior".

For further information about the neonatal evaluations please visit...

RESULTS OF APGAR

MORE APGAR INFO

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