PRENATAL PERIOD (Conception to Birth) Prenatal Period: from conception to birth: In this nine-month period, the most rapid

time of change. A one-celled organism is transformed into a human baby with remarkable capacities for adjusting to life in the surrounding world. First Trimester: The child moves through the stages of Zygote, Embryo and Fetus. This progresses from a one-cell object to an entity that has nervous system, organs and muscles being organized and connected. Kicking, thumb sucking, mouth opening and genitals appear. This stage lasts from weeks one to twelve (Berk, 2013). Second Trimester: The fetus continues to grow rapidly. In the middle of this period, the mother can feel the child move. The childs eyes are sensitive to light and they react to sound. This stage lasts from weeks thirteen to twenty four (Berk, 2013). Third Trimester: The size of the fetus increase; their lungs mature. Rapid brain development causes sensory and behavioral capacities to expand. In the middle of this period, a layer of fat is added under the skin. Antibodies are transmitted from mother to fetus to protect against disease. Most fetuses rotate into an upside-down position in preparation for birth (Berk, 2013). Social-Emotional Development: Pre-Born Consciousness: It is unclear what level of consciousness that exists in the child during this the prenatal stage. While it is not proven or guaranteed, parents are encouraged to read and play soothing to the child in the mothers womb (Madurasinghe, 2008). Other studies have shown that a fetus begins to move their face, parting lips, wrinkling a nose or lowering a brow as they develop in the mothers womb. These signs become increasingly more complex as the fetus develops. The common expressions identified seemed to be associated with laughter and crying (Parry, 2011). Environmental Factors: Harmful elements that can harm the fetus are known as teratogens. These include: Maternal Drug Use: Smoking is linked to low birth weight, which can result in weakened immune system, poor respiration and neurological impairment. Alcohol use can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can result in heart defects, body malformations and mental retardation. The use of cocaine and methamphetamine can lead to low birth weight and neurological impairment (Cherry, n.d.). Maternal Disease: Several maternal diseases can negatively impact the fetus, including herpes, rubella and AIDS. Herpes virus can be transmitted to the fetus, leading to deafness, brain swelling or mental retardation. Women with herpes virus are often encouraged to deliver via cesarean to avoid transmission of the virus (Cherry, n.d.).

REFERENCES
Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Cherry, K. (n.d.). Problems with Prenatal Development. www.psychology.about.com. Retrieved 04/19/14. Madurasinghe, L: (2008). Cognitive and Emotional Development of the Pre-born and newborn baby. Mum and Me Magazine. November 2008. Parry, W. (2011). Facial Expressions Develop in the Womb. www.livescience.com. Retrieved 04/19/14.