Physical Development
Throughout our lives, we go through various stages of development - physically, mentally, and emotionally. These stages can have a significant impact on our overall well-being and quality of life. Physical development includes the continuous physical changes that we experience from conception until death due to the genes given to us by our parents. Physical development relates to growth of physical capability and skill that one possess in the brain, senses, and muscles.
Prenatal Development
Prenatal development/Pregnancy is divided into 3 stages called trimesters.Trimester one lasts from conception to 12 weeks, trimester two lasts from 13 weeks to 27 weeks and trimester 3 lasts from 28 weeks until birth. There are specific stages throughout each trimester, these stages include the germinal stage, the embryonic stage, and the fetal stage.
The Germinal Stage
The germinal stage consists of the first 14 days of pregnancy. During these 2 weeks, a zygote (fertilized egg) is formed when 2 gametes (sperm and egg) unite. Each gamete brings with it 23 chromosomes. After the zygote is formed, it will undergo rapid cell reproduction which will then form a blastocyst. The blastocyst consists of 3 layers, the first being the ectoderm which will later form the skin and nervous system, the second layer being the mesoderm which will form muscles and skeleton, and the third and final layer being the endoderm which will form the respiratory and digestive systems. This stage ends after the blastocyst implants itself into the uterine wall.
The Embryonic Stage
The embryonic stage starts on the 15th day and ends during the 9th week. The growing human is called an embryo during this phase and undergoes substantial growth and cellular differentiation. This is the stage in which many birth defects tend to happen. These defects are sometimes caused by teratogens which are toxins that the mother can be exposed to such as alcohol or viruses.
The Fetal Stage
The fetal stage continues from the 9th week until the end of the pregnancy (the longest stage of the pregnancy). During this stage the growing human is referred to as a fetus. During this stage, there is rapid growth in order to prepare the fetus for the outside world. The fetus develops hair, skin, skeletal growth occurs, and the sex organs are formed. The fetus also begins to develop brain neurons. It's essential during this stage that the mother gets the adequate nutrients. The fetus becomes less vulnerable to teratogens during this stage due to the organs being formed but it is still crucial for the mother to do everything she can to keep the fetus safe.
Self Connection
As a 20 year old woman who someday plans to have multiple children, it is important that I am knowledgeable about the different phases of pregnancy, what to expect, and how my actions can have effects on my unborn child.
Application to Nursing
As I mentioned before, I plan to enter into an obstetrics focused nursing career. Obstetrics is all about the development of babies in and out of utero, therefore all information regarding prenatal development is crucial for me to know and understand.
