Developmental Psychology A branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive and social changes throughout the lifespan.

Prenatal Development Conception begins with the drop of an egg and the release of about 200 million sperm. The sperm seeks out the egg and attempts to penetrate the eggs surface.

Once the sperm penetrates the egg- we have a fertilized egg called…….. The Zygote The first stage of prenatal development. Lasts about two weeks and consists of rapid cell division.

The Zygote Stage Less than half of all zygotes survive first two weeks. About 10 days after conception, the zygote will attach itself to the uterine wall. The outer part of the zygote becomes the placenta (which filters nutrients).

After two weeks, the zygote develops into a Embryo

The Embryo Stage Lasts about 6 weeks. Heart begins to beat and the organs begin to develop.

By nine weeks we have something that looks unmistakably human… A Fetus

The Fetus Stage By about the 6th month, the stomach and other organs have formed enough to survive outside of mother. At this time the baby can hear (and recognize) sounds and respond to light.

Teratogens harmful agents to the prenatal environment

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant women’s heavy drinking. Severe cases symptoms include facial disproportions.

So what will a healthy newborn do? Reflexes Rooting Reflex- a babies tendency, when touched on the cheek, to open mouth and search for a nipple. Turn towards human voices. Gaze longer at human face like images.