Fetal Brain Development and the Preterm Infant - 1554 Words

FETAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND THE PRETERM INFANT 2 NORMAL FETAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT Embryonic brain development begins a few weeks after conception through the processes known as gastrulation and neurulation (Gilbert, 2000). During gastrulation the embryo changes from a simple group of cells to a multi-layered organism. Three germ layers are formed during this process: the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm (Gilbert, 2000). The endoderm is the most inner layer and forms the lining of internal organs. The mesoderm is the middle layer which forms the skeletal, muscle, and circulatory systems. The ectoderm is the outer most layer which forms the skin, brain and nervous system. During the process of neurulation the ectoderm, the outermost germ layer, goes through a thickening process which in turn forms the neural plate. With changes in cell attachment and shape, the plate beings to rise and fold eventually with both sides meeting in the middle creating a tube (Gilbert, 2000). This tube pulls away from the ectoderm forming what is termed as the neural tube. â€Å"By 27 days, the tube is fully closed and has already begun its transformation into the brain and spinal cord of the embryo† (Zero to three). Failure of the neural tube to close can result in the cerebral cortex not being able to be formed or in spina bifida. Cells called neural progenitor cells, which formed and differentiated in the ectoderm during gastrulation, begin forming the brain, hind brain and the spinalShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Depression During Pregnancy On Children Essay1540 Words   |  7 Pagesactivities decrease and are less responsive to stimulants. Due to stress hormones, the fetuses have low birth weight and are at a higher risk of preterm delivery. Prenatal depression has been noted to be able to predict the likelihood of postpartum depression from hormones such as low dopamine. Depression during pregnancy negatively affects the development of offspring. One of the first studies on prenatal depression showed that fetuses of depressed mothers had less total movement, and had a higherRead MoreThe Effects Multiple Births Have on Outcomes of Cerebral Palsy in Infants987 Words   |  4 PagesMultiple Births Have on Outcomes of Cerebral Palsy in Infants Cerebral palsy is typically characterized as a disorder caused by injuries to the cerebrum, the part of the brain responsible for higher mental functions, sensations, and voluntary muscle actions (7). Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary by severity of the disease, and include seizures, involuntary muscle contractions, difficulty sucking or feeding, irregular breathing, delayed development of motor skills, motor-mental retardation, mentalRead MoreNursing Case Study1450 Words   |  6 Pages40%) newborns exposed in utero to SSRIs and in 1083 of 67,636 (1.60%) non-exposed newborns. Knudsen et al.,(52) conducted a cohort study based on Danish administrative register data and included all newborn diagnosed with congenital heart defect, fetal deaths and in pregnancies terminated due to congenital anomalies. The use of SSRI was assessed. They identified 546 fetuses with congenital heart anomalies (519 livebirths, 12 stillbirths, 2 miscarriages, and 13 termination of pregnancy) and of theseRead MoreThe Efficacy Of Massage Therapy On Preterm Infants2963 Words   |  12 Pages The Efficacy of Massage Therapy on Preterm Infants Taryn L. Metz Winona State University The Efficacy of Massage Therapy on Premature Infants According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013) 500,000 infants are affected by preterm births each year. A preterm infant is born prior to 37 weeks’ of their gestational age (Smith, 2012) and can be classified as very premature (less than 32 weeks’ gestation), premature (born between 32 and 34 weeks’ gestation) or late prematureRead MoreNutrition During Pregnancy Is Extremely Important During Fetal Growth And Development1784 Words   |  8 PagesIt is in human nature to want better for your children than you previously had Nutrition during pregnancy is extremely important during fetal growth and development Micronutrients are necessary for normal growth and development of the fetus and deficiencies have been found to be associated with fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age infants (9). Even some animal models have shown that micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy can potentially increase adiposity to the offspring atRead MoreParental Influence On Children s Cognitive Development1260 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract: The following literature review contains different articles that support how relevant is parental influence on their children’s cognitive development. Since a child is born, parents play such an important role in their children’s cognitive development, that failing at doing the proper steps of assuring a correct development in their children affects their children’s academic success in life. Parents could make their children’s future goals achievable or almost impossible, and trace theRead MoreWhy Pregnant Substance Abuse Shou ld Be Treated As A Major Issue1441 Words   |  6 Pagesnone to extremely harmful. Women who use drugs during their pregnancy commonly give birth to â€Å"crack babies† or â€Å"drug babies†. These babies can have developmental disabilities or other birth defects. The mother may give birth to a premature infant, underweight infant, or even have a stillborn birth. The drug use of a pregnant woman has a direct impact on the baby. While the mother is ingesting methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, or even caffeine, the fetus is also taking it in. ForRead MoreMaternal Stress And Depression And Stress2020 Words   |  9 Pagesthus affecting her relationship with her baby. Recent research evidence has highlighted that there is some overlap between the symptoms of maternal depression and stress (Cheng Pickler, 2014), and that these play a role in affecting the normal development of the fetus. However, other research has indicated that stress and depression do not harm the fetus, and in fact can be developmentally beneficial (DiPetro, 2004). In this essay, a number of symptoms of maternal stress and depression shall be addressedRead MorePrevalence Of Depression Among Pregnant Women1465 Words   |  6 Pagesmost popular antidepressants taken during pregnancy. Side effects that could take place from these antidepressants are persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, ADHD, increased chances of spontaneous abortion, and smaller birth size in the infant.3,4 Introduction: When a woman is pregnant it is extremely important that she is physically and emotionally healthy. Depression is a common psychiatric disorder among many people. Depression tends to have a social stigma attached to it, so many peopleRead MoreEthical Issues Involved in Research on Children2115 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿Questions Advantages and disadvantages of experiments when researching child development The experimental method in researching child development has been greatly used by researchers. It has several advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that it helps to prove a hypothesis through the collection of data on independent or dependent variables in a closed or open environment. Experiments help to create the ideal environment for the researcher to study the phenomenon. However, it suffers the