Module 3: Prenatal Development and Birth
I. OBJECTIVES:
A. Enumerate the characteristics of a zygote
B. Explain the different ways genes influence development
C. List the different problems in prenatal development
D. Explain the process of birth
E. Define the term neonate
II. INTRODUCTION /OVERVIEW
This module will introduce you to new insights in prenatal development processes that
were shrouded in mystery a few decades ago. You will become better acquainted with
some of these insights and gain a greater appreciation for the amazing process of prenatal
development.
III. LESSON PROPER
A. Conception and Genetics
1. A woman produces one ovum (egg cell) per month from one of her
ovaries roughly midway between menstrual period. If the ovum is not
fertilized, it travels from the ovary down the fallopian tube toward the
uterus, where it gradually disintegrates and is expelled as part of the
menstrual fluid
2. Chromosomes, DNA and Genes.
Every cell in the human body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, or
strings of genetic material. However, the sperm and ovum, collectively
called gametes, contain 23 single (unpaired) chromosomes. At
conception, chromosomes in the ovum and sperm combine to form 23
pairs in and entirely new cell called a zygote. Chromosomes are
composed of DNA. Each chromosome can further subdivided into
segments called genes, each of which influences particular feature or
developmental pattern.
3. Determination of Sex
Twenty-two pairs of chromosomes called autosomes, contain most of the
genetic information for the individual. The 23rd pair the sex chromosomes
is the largest in the body and contains a large number of genes. The sex
of the baby is determined by the sex chromosome that is contributed by
the male, either X or Y as the specific male gamete that fuses will define
the sex of the baby. If the male contributes an X chromosome, then the
baby is girl and if Y, then the baby will develop into a boy.
1
4. How Genes influence Development
Dominant and Recessive Genes
1. The main differences between dominant and recessive traits are that
Traits of dominance are expressed when the traits of the allele are also
dominant, while the traits of recessiveness are expressed when the
traits are the same with both of the alleles too.
2. The dominant allele is represented with block letters everywhere, while
Recessive traits are represented by small letters.
3. V-shaped hairline, dark hair color, brown eye color, right-handedness,
etc., are the examples of dominant traits in humans, while round eyes,
left-handedness, straight hairline, the blonde or red color of hair, etc.
are the examples of recessive traits in humans.
4. The dominant trait does not require the presence of the same trait in
the other gene, too, while the recessive trait does require the presence
of the same trait in the other gene to be inherited.
5. Gene with dominant traits is much more likely to be inherited, whereas
the gene with recessive traits is comparatively less likely to be
inherited.
B. Pregnancy and Prenatal Development
1. Milestones of Pregnancy
Trimester Events Prenatal Care Serious Problems
First trimester Missed period Confirmation of Ectopic pregnancy
From first day of last Breast enlargement pregnancy Abnormal urine or
menstrual period up Abdominal thickening Calculation of due blood pressure
to 1eeks date Increased blood
Blood and urine test pressure
Monthly visits to Bleeding
doctor to monitor vital Miscarriage
functions., uterine
growth, weight gain,
sugar and protein in
urine.
Second Trimester Weight gain Monthly doctor visits Gestational Diabetes
From 12 weeks after Fetal movements and continue. Excessive weight gain
LMS up to 24 weeks increased appetite Ultrasound to Increased blood
measure fetal growth pressure
and locate placenta Ph incompatibility of
mother and fetus
Miscarriage 13 to 20
weeks
Premature labor 21
weeks
Third Trimester Weight gain Weekly visits Increased blood
From 25 weeks after Breast discharge beginning at 32nd pressure
LMP to beginning of week Bleeding
labor Ultrasound to assess Premature labor
2
fetus position Bladder infection
Treatment of Ph
incompatibility if
needed
Pelvic exam to check
for cervical dilation
C. Prenatal development - Milestones in Prenatal development
Stage Time Frame Milestones
Germinal Day 1: Conception Sperm and ovum unite
forming the zygote containing
genetic instructions for the
development of a unique
human being.
Germinal Days 10 to 13 Implantation The zygote burrows into the
lining of the uterus.
Specialized cells that will
become the placenta,
umbilical cord and embryo
are already formed
Embryonic Weeks 3 to 8 All of the embryo’s organ
systems form during the 6-
Organogenesis week period following
implantation
Fetal Weeks 9 to 38: Growth and The fetus grows from 1 inch
Organ Refinement long and ¼ ounce to a length
of about 20 inches and a
weight of 7-9 pounds. By
week 12, most fetuses can be
identified as male or female.
Changes in the brain and
lungs make viability possible
by 24 weeks; optimum
development requires an
additional 14 to 16 weeks in
the womb. Most neurons form
by week 28 and connection
among them begin to develop
shortly thereafter. In the last 8
weeks, the fetus can hear and
smell and is sensitive to
touch, and responds to light.
3
Learning is also possible
D. Problems in Prenatal Development : Some Important Teratogens and their effects
Teratogens Possible Effect on Fetus
Maternal disease
Cancer Placental tumor
Chicken pox Eye damage
Parvovirus Anemia
Hepatitis B Hepatitis
Chlamydia Conjunctivitis, pneumonia
Tuberculosis Pneumonia /tuberculosis
Drugs
Inhalants Fetal alcohol syndrome; premature labor
Vit A Facial, ear, heart deformities
Streptomycin Deafness
Penicillin Skin disorder
Tetracycline Tooth disorder
Diet pills Low birth weight
Part 2 will be sent to you next week
Dr. Ana Maria V. Barbieto
Professor
