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Theme 1: Behaviour of the foetus. - Coggle Diagram
Theme 1: Behaviour of the foetus.
Foetal behavioural states.
Sensory development: Senses emerge in the womb, shaping foetal learning and preparing for life outside of the womb.
Environmental risks: Factors can negatively impact foetal development, emphasising the importance of prenatal care.
Foetal behaviour: Foetuses exhibit distinct behavioural states that reflect neurological development.
Newborn reflexes: Primitive and postural reflexes are crucial survival tools for newborns and form the foundation for later voluntary movement development.
Life-cycle theories: Key assumptions.
Assumption 2: The epigenetic principle.
Successful resolution is essential for healthy development at later stages.
Failure to resolve a crisis cannegatively impact later physical, cognitive, social, or [sychological well-being.
Each stage has a unique crisis or challenge.
Assumption 3: Defining features.
Each stage has a dominant characteristic or critical turning point that sets it apart from the rest.
Assumption 1: Sequential stages.
Development progresses through distinct, predefined stages in an unchanging order.
Prenatal period: Foundation for life.
The most rapid growth phase, transforming a single cell into a complex baby.
Development is complex and shaped by environmental influences that can impact the function of developing organs.
A newborn's age starts at zero, marking the transition from prenatal development.
Culture shapes us: Birth, death, and beyond.
African context: A strong connection to ancestry and cultural heritage shapes perspectives on life and death.
Discussion point: How can cultural or social practices influence beliefs about birth, death, and loss of kids.
Culture influences how we think, feel, and behave - including how we understand and experience health, development, and the entire life cycle.
Key debates.
Continous vs. discontinous development.
Does prenatal development progress smoothly and gradually or occur in distinct stages with marked changes?
Consider how different development theories might support one view or the other.
Functions of foetal behaviour.
What is the purpose of foetal movements and behaviours?
Theories that foetal behaviours aid in development, prepare for life outside the womb or simply reflect a maturing nervous system.
Nature vs. nurture.
Explores the interplay between genetics and experiences within the womb.
To what extent is prenatal development shaped by innate biological factors vs. environmental influences?
Three stages of prenatal development.
Embryonic period (+3 to 8 weeks).
Development is extremely rapid and vulnerable to disruption.
The embryo is highly susceptible to the influence of teratogens.
Major organs and body systems begin to form.
Foetal period (+9 weeks to birth).
Sensory systems develop, and the foetus begins to respond stimuli.
Greater movement and behavioural patterns emerge.
Focus shifts to the continued growth and refinement of existing structures.
Germinal period (Conception to +weeks).
The fertilised egg (zygote) undergoes rapid cell division.
Travels down the fallopian tube and implants into the uterine lining.
It begins with fertilisation when sperm and egg unite.
Germinal period: Initiating development.
Key events.
Implantation: The blastocyst embeds in the uterine lining, establishing the foundation for development.
Placenta formation: The initial placenta develops, providing vital nutrients and oxygen to the embryo.
Rapid cell division: The zygote divides, forming the morula and then the blastocyst (a hollow ball of cells).
Hormone production: The blastocyst secretes hormones to maintain the pregnancy and prevent the mother's immune system from rejecting the embryo.
Fertilisation: Union of sperm and egg in the fallopian tube.
Potential complications.
Ectopic pregnancy: Fertilisation and implantation can occur outside the uterus, posing a significant risk to the mother.
Timeline: Spans from fertilisation to 2 weeks after conception.
Embryonic period: Rapid development and organ formation.
Scientific mystery: While cell differentiation is guided by chemical signals and the surrounding environment, the exact mechanisms controlling this process remain partially understood.
Early heartbeat: Heart begins to beat, and blood circulation is established around the end of week 3, enabling the transport of nutrients and waste.
Organogenesis: Major organ systems begin to develop through a process of cell specialisation.
Critical period: This period is extremely sensitive to disruptions that negatively affect development.
Transformation: Embryo starts to take on a recognisable human form.
Support systems: The umbilical cord and placenta form during this stage, establishing a vital connection between the mother and developing embryo.
Timeline: Extends from the third to the 8th week of pregnancy.
Foetal period: Growth and refinement.
Rapid growth: Significant increase in size, particularly during the third and fourth months.
Behavioural foundations: The origins of motor, sensory, and basic learning behaviours emerge.
Focus: Continued development and refinement of structures, preparing the foetus for life outside the womb.
Key milestones.
Month 5: Increased foetal movement strength.
Month 6: Eyes fully formed.
Month 4: Face becomes more human-like, mother starts feeling movement.
Month 7: Significant chance of survival if born prematurely due to the development of critical systems.
Month 3: Differentiation of external genitalia, formation of connections between muscles and the nervous system.
Months 8-9: Fat deposition for temperature regulation, continued organ maturation, increased antibody transfer from mother, preparation for birth.
Timeline: Begins around week nine of pregnancy and continues until birth.