Biological beginnings
Genetic Foundations
“All children have a set of genetic instructions that influence their characteristics at birth and emerging physical features as the grow.” (pg 144). Some characteristics awaken during sensitive periods which are age ranges in which environmental experiences are necessary for the child’s development. Other characteristics are controlled by genetics, this is known as canalization. Skills that are canalized include motor skills such as crawling and sitting. Skills that are not canalized are those that children are taught in school such as reading and writing. The environment continues to play a huge role in the genetic expression at different times throughout development. Nature and nurture are powerful and they are concepts that not only teachers, but also parents need to be aware of. Being the adults in a child’s life. Genetic predispositions may be altered by environmental factors such as schooling, social interactions, and physical experiences.
Prenatal Development
There are three phases of prenatal development: development of the zygote, development of the embryo, and development of the fetus.
A zygote is a one-celled being. It divided over and over until it becomes a ball of cells that attaches itself to the uterus wall. Then the zygote splits into two parts, one will become and embryo and the other one will become the placenta. The zygote then releases hormones for menstruation to stop and further development has begun. An embryo is between the period from 2 to 8 weeks where major body parts begin to develop. The embryo develops from top to bottom and from the outside in. The fetus is then from 9 weeks until birth. At this stage, the baby finalizes the development of the limbs and the internal organs. Expectant mothers must care for themselves to increase the chances of bringing a healthy baby into the world.
There are three phases of prenatal development: development of the zygote, development of the embryo, and development of the fetus.
A zygote is a one-celled being. It divided over and over until it becomes a ball of cells that attaches itself to the uterus wall. Then the zygote splits into two parts, one will become and embryo and the other one will become the placenta. The zygote then releases hormones for menstruation to stop and further development has begun. An embryo is between the period from 2 to 8 weeks where major body parts begin to develop. The embryo develops from top to bottom and from the outside in. The fetus is then from 9 weeks until birth. At this stage, the baby finalizes the development of the limbs and the internal organs. Expectant mothers must care for themselves to increase the chances of bringing a healthy baby into the world.
Birth of the Baby
This is the stage of pregnancy where the mother and the family become the most anxious. Preparing for birth is highly recommended and important. Parents-to be should take classes to learn the most recent way of doing infant CPR, feeding, bathing, changing and other things that they will be doing every day with their baby. Preparing the suitcase for the hospital about 1 or 2 months in advance is necessary since babies sometimes come sooner than expected. Learning breathing and relaxation techniques to use through the birthing process come in handy. The health and medical needs a baby needs all depends on the birth weight and size, and any genetic vulnerabilities. Family educators can support infants directly by teaching the caregivers how to watch and care for the baby’s needs.
This is the stage of pregnancy where the mother and the family become the most anxious. Preparing for birth is highly recommended and important. Parents-to be should take classes to learn the most recent way of doing infant CPR, feeding, bathing, changing and other things that they will be doing every day with their baby. Preparing the suitcase for the hospital about 1 or 2 months in advance is necessary since babies sometimes come sooner than expected. Learning breathing and relaxation techniques to use through the birthing process come in handy. The health and medical needs a baby needs all depends on the birth weight and size, and any genetic vulnerabilities. Family educators can support infants directly by teaching the caregivers how to watch and care for the baby’s needs.