Early and Middle
Childhood
development
Study Guide
,PRENATAL
DEVELOPMENT
(BEFORE
BIRTH)
Germinal (0-2 weeks) : Start at conception, where a
sperm cell enters an egg cell, which is called fertilisation, a
zygote forms, cells divide into several cells in the process
called mitosis, cells move along the fallopian tube towards
the uterus, and implantation forms in the uterus.
Embryonic (2- 8 weeks) : After the implantation
process, the zygote is now called an embryo. A major
support system has been developed: the placenta, which
supplies oxygen, nutrients, and removes waste. The
umbilical cord connects the embryo to the placenta, and
the Amniotic sac and fluid.
Foetal stage (8 weeks- birth) : This stage, in which an
embryo is fully developed, is called the foetal stage. The
foetal organs and systems mature and grow stronger. By
the 4th month, the mother can feel movement, and by the
7th month, the foetus can regulate breathing and
swallowing. By the 9th month, the foetus is fully developed
and curled up in the foetal position, ready for birth.
, NEONATAL PERIOD
It refers to a period of 4 weeks of a newborn’s life. They have over
20 reflexes, such as sucking, swallowing, rooting, etc.
This stage period is critical for perceptual development: Vision,
Hearing, taste, and smell.
Newborn babies
Childhood
development
Study Guide
,PRENATAL
DEVELOPMENT
(BEFORE
BIRTH)
Germinal (0-2 weeks) : Start at conception, where a
sperm cell enters an egg cell, which is called fertilisation, a
zygote forms, cells divide into several cells in the process
called mitosis, cells move along the fallopian tube towards
the uterus, and implantation forms in the uterus.
Embryonic (2- 8 weeks) : After the implantation
process, the zygote is now called an embryo. A major
support system has been developed: the placenta, which
supplies oxygen, nutrients, and removes waste. The
umbilical cord connects the embryo to the placenta, and
the Amniotic sac and fluid.
Foetal stage (8 weeks- birth) : This stage, in which an
embryo is fully developed, is called the foetal stage. The
foetal organs and systems mature and grow stronger. By
the 4th month, the mother can feel movement, and by the
7th month, the foetus can regulate breathing and
swallowing. By the 9th month, the foetus is fully developed
and curled up in the foetal position, ready for birth.
, NEONATAL PERIOD
It refers to a period of 4 weeks of a newborn’s life. They have over
20 reflexes, such as sucking, swallowing, rooting, etc.
This stage period is critical for perceptual development: Vision,
Hearing, taste, and smell.
Newborn babies
