What is the critical period in prenatal development?
In general, major defects of the body and internal organs are more likely to occur between 3 to 12 embryo / fetal weeks. This is the same as 5 to 14 gestational weeks (weeks since the first day of your last period). This is also referred to as the first trimester.
Why is prenatal period the most crucial period in development?
Our health and wellbeing prenatally and during the first three years of life affect all future learning, behavior, and health. This time period is the most sensitive for a child's developing brain and body, yet many families face substantial challenges during these years.
What stage of pregnancy is the most critical for the development of the fetus in regard to environmental risks?
The fetus is most vulnerable during the first 12 weeks. During this period of time, all of the major organs and body systems are forming and can be damaged if the fetus is exposed to drugs, infectious agents, radiation, certain medications, tobacco and toxic substances.
Which stage of fetal development would be considered a critical period whereby the baby is most vulnerable to teratogens with regard to structural complications?
During organogenesis between days 15 to 60, teratogenic agents are more likely to cause major congenital malformations.
What is prenatal pregnancy development stage?
The stage starts during the 9 th week of pregnancy and it lasts until childbirth. The neural tube becomes the brain and the spinal cord is also formed. This is the time when the sex organs start to show. This is the prenatal pregnancy development stage during which the baby changes the most.
Which week is the most critical in pregnancy?
There is no one specific week that is most critical in pregnancy, but rather, periods of development and types of birth defects that can result from exposures at different stages of pregnancy. What Can I Expect in the First Trimester of Pregnancy?
What happens during the foetal period of prenatal development?
Following this until birth, the baby keeps growing, and the lungs start to expand and contract, preparing the body to breathe after birth. The foetal period of prenatal development is of intense growth, and hence, is very sensitive to certain conditions. There are the general problems one might observe during this stage: 1. Genetic Problems