Two physical developmental milestones that are typical with the prenatal stage period are
development of organs and maturity of lungs. When a fetus is in the 5
th -8 th week of development their external and internal body structures and organs began to form. This is very important to a rapidly growing fetus, because these developments begin the vital production towards development and life. In weeks 25 th -38 th the fetus lungs are maturing and practicing essential skills such as breathing, sucking and swallowing. As stated by Berk (2013), The tiny lungs begin to expand and contract in an early rehearsal of breathing movements (pg. 92). These physical developments within the prenatal stage are some of the first signs of a healthy fetus that is thriving in the womb. Influential language developmental milestones that will occur typically in the prenatal stage are the forming of synapses and fetus responsiveness. At the end of the second trimester, neurons of the brain are steadily accumulating which begin forming synapses at an increased rate. This synapse development within the prenatal stage will aid in making connections and storing data for language later in development. Brain growth means new behavioral capacities. The 20 week old fetus can be stimulated as well as irritated by sounds (Berk, 2013, pg. 92). In third trimester, while in the womb fetuses can respond to voices and sounds. Although in the womb, babies can hear and respond to familiar sounds and voices of the environment around them. Parents are the first people who contribute to a babys language development. Typical cognitive development that will occur within the prenatal stage are brain connections and the development of personality. In the 11 th week, the brain is steadily making connections to developing muscle, which will form the first kicks, hand and mouth movements. Another interesting development is the beginning of a personality. By the end of the pregnancy, fetal activity is very prevalent and temperaments can be identified. According to Berk (2013), Higher fetal activity in the last weeks of pregnancy predicts a more active infant in the first month of life a relationship that, for boys persists into early childhood( Groome et al., 1999)(pg. 93). These connections show that the fetus is developing cognitive functions and making connections within the womb. Signs that may be linked to atypical development during the prenatal stage is a decrease in organ progression and malnutrition. When organs do not develop properly children are more at risk to develop serve health complications. An inadequate diet during pregnancy can also distort the structure of other organs, including the liver, kidneys and pancreas, resulting in lifelong health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adulthood( Barker, 2008;Whincup et al., 2008). Prenatal malnutrition can cause a number of risk factors to both the mother and fetus.
Two typical social-emotional developmental milestones is child responsiveness and the assemble expressions. A fetus can respond actively to familiar sounds such as their mothers and fathers voices by kicking and turning. While in the womb fetuses also begin to perform complex facial motions such as parting lips, wrinkling nose, lowering brows that contribute to form facial expressions after birth. A social factor that influences this stage of development is if the mother actively talks and connect with child while in womb, to increases positive bonding. A cultural factor that influences prenatal development is the network of support. When mothers feel they have a strong and reliable support network they are able to accept and prepare for pregnancy in a more positive manner. A mother can significantly influence her childs development within the prenatal stage by taking a proactive approach to her health. Mothers who are active are less likely to develop long term stress and less health complications during pregnancy. Excessive fetal stress may permanently alter neurological functioning as well, thereby heightening stress reactivity in later life (Berk, 2013, pg. 105). When fetuses are provided with a healthy atmosphere within the womb, they are more likely to develop and thrive within their environment. Mothers can contribute to their healthy by exercising, eating properly and attending checks ups with physician.