Periods of Development Prenatal Fact Sheet

In the Prenatal period of development two physical, developmental milestones typically developing

children should attain during this period of development are:

In the first trimester, conception takes place. This is a remarkable time for the mother and the baby as

they both are transforming and bonding. “A one cell zygote multiplies and forms a blastocyst. Then the

embryo develops which is 14 inches. Many interesting developments take place and a baby’s brain, spinal

cord, heart, muscles, ribs, backbone, and digestive tract grows. As the baby continues to develop in the

mother's womb it matures to about 3 inches in length and increases at rapid speed.

The uniqueness of human flesh grows and the nervous system, organs, muscles all organize and connect.

Amazingly genitals begin to form, and the fetus sex is known. As exciting as this can be some

parents/caregivers do not one the sex of their baby revealed until it’s birth. In the second trimester the

fetus is continuing to expand, and brain neurons are in place by 24 weeks. Major advances in the baby's

biological structure is forming and by the third trimester, antibodies are transferred from the mother to the

fetus to protect it against possible diseases. A miracle happens through this maze of special

transformations and finally, the fetus rotates in an upside-down position in preparation for birth” (Berk,

2013).

Language developmental milestones typically developing children should achieve in this period of

development are:
“The fetus learns the sound of distinct voices and can hear the music. For example, although a mother’s

voice is altered it passes through the abdomen, and the fetus can interpret its mother’s voice and

discriminate that voice from other voices” (Hepper, 2015, p. 40). In the prenatal stage, a fetus begins the

basis for language acquisition. The mother is usually the one who initiates the fetus basic language

structures. This beginning process of language “includes prosody, temporal envelope, and phonetic

elements” (Hepper, 2015). It’s incredible to see that knowledge is capable of being retrieved at this stage

of development.

Cognitive developmental milestones typically developing children should achieve in this period of

development are:

Around 9-12 weeks the “fetus starts to develop it’s nervous system and behaviors are noticed in the

womb. Kicking, thumb sucking, mouth opening, and breathing are all present during this time. Eyes begin

to develop and are sensitive to light, and the fetus continues to react to sound” (Berk, 2013).

One sign that may signal atypical development during this period of development is:

Mother’s must be careful of the use of certain drugs. “Many prescription and non-prescription

medications can negatively affect or impair embryonic and fetal development” (Berk, 2013). When

considering using medication mother’s need to be aware of all risks.

One strategy that families can use to influence their children’s learning and development during

this period of development is:

During this time of development, a child’s environment can have short-term or long-term effects on them.

Understanding the importance of a healthy environment “mothers should incorporate good nutrition, learn
to balance stress, and should not consume alcohol or smoke. Early nurturing relationships are critical and

will help the neurophysiological development of a child” (Moore, McDonald, Carlon, & O’Rourke, 2015,

p. 106).

References

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

https://content.ashford.edu/

Hepper, P. (2015). Behavior during the prenatal period: Adaptive for development and survival. Child

Development Perspectives, 9(1),38. Retrieved from http://search.edscohost.com.proxy-

library.ashford.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=102210798&site=eds-live&scope=site

Moore, T. G., McDonald, M., Carlon, L., & O’Rourke, K. (2015). Early childhood development and the

social determinants of health inequities. Health Promotion International, 30, ii 102-ii115. Retrieved from

https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.1093/heappo/dav031