WGU D025 Genetic and Psychosocial Influences on Human Development: Lessons
1-12
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SECTION 1
• Human development is defined by life stages: prenatal, infancy, toddlerhood,
childhood (early, middle, and late), adolescence, and adulthood (early,
middle, and late).
• The germinal period of the prenatal stage comprises the first 14 days after
fertilization and includes implantation of the zygote and the creation of a
blastocyst. Less than half of all pregnancies survive this period.
• The embryonic period of the prenatal stage follows the germinal period for
weeks three through eight of pregnancy. Some embryos fail due to
chromosomal abnormalities or adverse maternal action. The placenta is
formed and, like many organs, the brain is beginning to develop.
• The fetal period of the prenatal stage follows the embryonic period through
the end of pregnancy. Viability is reached at about 24 weeks.
• The basis for sexual orientation is still not completely clear; scientists are
currently investigating the influences of genetics, birth order, and hormones.
• Maternal factors that can affect the development of a fetus include age
(under 15 or over 35), environmental teratogens, diabetes, high blood
pressure, Rh factor, weight gain, stress, and depression.
• Pregnancy involves various risks for both mother and baby, including ectopic
pregnancy, preeclampsia, and spontaneous abortion.
• Labor is made up of three stages for vaginal delivery; other types of delivery
are cesarean and induced, used for specific medical situations.
, • The APGAR score of an infant is one of the first tests performed. Infants'
heart and respiratory rates, muscle tone, reflexes, and color are all assessed
at one minute and five minutes following birth. This aids in the identification
of babies who are having difficulties breathing or who have other issues that
require more attention.
• Doctors also use NBAS (Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale) to assess the
newborn.
• The postpartum phase begins after the baby is delivered and concludes
when the mother's body is practically back to its pre-pregnancy form.
Maternal worries represent the mother’s needs throughout the postpartum
time, as well as the changes that come with taking on new responsibilities.
• New mothers experiencing any sign of postpartum anxiety should seek
medical assistance.
o postpartum anxiety- elevated sense of worry about the infant
following childbirth
o postpartum depression-unusual sadness occurring in the period
following childbirth
o postpartum psychosis- serious mental illness that can affect a new
mother following childbirth; mother may lose touch with reality
• Physical growth refers to an increase in body size (length or height and
weight) and in the size of organs of babies. From birth to about age one or
two years, children grow rapidly.
• Physical development can aid in the maintenance of a healthy weight, as well
as the growth of strong bones, muscles, and a healthy heart.
• Motor development means the physical growth and strengthening of a
child's bones and muscles. This is more apparent when children are able to
move and touch their surroundings.
o Gross Motor Skills focus on large muscle groups that control the
head, torso, arms, and legs and involve larger movements (balancing,
running, and jumping). These skills begin to develop first.
▪ cephalocaudal path: development that proceeds from head to
tail
1-12
,Use the comments feature to ‘dig’ into the term further whenever you see something highlighted! You
might need to hold the “Ctrl” key when you click to launch any videos or graphic organizers. Enjoy!
SECTION 1
• Human development is defined by life stages: prenatal, infancy, toddlerhood,
childhood (early, middle, and late), adolescence, and adulthood (early,
middle, and late).
• The germinal period of the prenatal stage comprises the first 14 days after
fertilization and includes implantation of the zygote and the creation of a
blastocyst. Less than half of all pregnancies survive this period.
• The embryonic period of the prenatal stage follows the germinal period for
weeks three through eight of pregnancy. Some embryos fail due to
chromosomal abnormalities or adverse maternal action. The placenta is
formed and, like many organs, the brain is beginning to develop.
• The fetal period of the prenatal stage follows the embryonic period through
the end of pregnancy. Viability is reached at about 24 weeks.
• The basis for sexual orientation is still not completely clear; scientists are
currently investigating the influences of genetics, birth order, and hormones.
• Maternal factors that can affect the development of a fetus include age
(under 15 or over 35), environmental teratogens, diabetes, high blood
pressure, Rh factor, weight gain, stress, and depression.
• Pregnancy involves various risks for both mother and baby, including ectopic
pregnancy, preeclampsia, and spontaneous abortion.
• Labor is made up of three stages for vaginal delivery; other types of delivery
are cesarean and induced, used for specific medical situations.
, • The APGAR score of an infant is one of the first tests performed. Infants'
heart and respiratory rates, muscle tone, reflexes, and color are all assessed
at one minute and five minutes following birth. This aids in the identification
of babies who are having difficulties breathing or who have other issues that
require more attention.
• Doctors also use NBAS (Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale) to assess the
newborn.
• The postpartum phase begins after the baby is delivered and concludes
when the mother's body is practically back to its pre-pregnancy form.
Maternal worries represent the mother’s needs throughout the postpartum
time, as well as the changes that come with taking on new responsibilities.
• New mothers experiencing any sign of postpartum anxiety should seek
medical assistance.
o postpartum anxiety- elevated sense of worry about the infant
following childbirth
o postpartum depression-unusual sadness occurring in the period
following childbirth
o postpartum psychosis- serious mental illness that can affect a new
mother following childbirth; mother may lose touch with reality
• Physical growth refers to an increase in body size (length or height and
weight) and in the size of organs of babies. From birth to about age one or
two years, children grow rapidly.
• Physical development can aid in the maintenance of a healthy weight, as well
as the growth of strong bones, muscles, and a healthy heart.
• Motor development means the physical growth and strengthening of a
child's bones and muscles. This is more apparent when children are able to
move and touch their surroundings.
o Gross Motor Skills focus on large muscle groups that control the
head, torso, arms, and legs and involve larger movements (balancing,
running, and jumping). These skills begin to develop first.
▪ cephalocaudal path: development that proceeds from head to
tail
