When it comes to biology the information is endless mainly because everyday there is a new miraculous discovery to be studied. There are so many branches of biology that doctors, scientists, researchers, authors, and specialists spend years and years writing books and articles to provide us with knowledge that seems to always have new information to explore. Biological beginnings regarding a child’s development that take hold before birth are astonishing! Every cell, every structure, every operation is equally important in forming a healthy baby. This section will briefly cover the development that occurs from genetic buildup up until the birth of the baby.
The foundations of child development in genetics as we all know begins with genes, which are what consist each individuals units of heredity and are responsible for the operation of cells in every organ and system of the human body. The health and a child’s activity level are what determine the effect specific genes have during development. Thousands of genes containing DNA compose 23 unique pairs of chromosomes for each cell in the body for a total of 46 chromosomes, except for the reproductive cells known as gametes that are responsible for reproduction, sperm and ova, they have half of each chromosome pair. Meiosis is responsible for production of new reproductive cells, which make each cell unique from the genetic characteristics of the parents. Boys produce sperm once they hit puberty on the contrary to girls, which begin the production of ova during prenatal development and are born with the amount of ova they will have in their lifetime.
Once conception occurs and the sperm and ova unite then the 23 chromosomes from each parent unite to form 46 and a being is created, known as a zygote. Twins are formed when the zygote splits in one of the two following scenarios: monozygotic twins (identical twins) come from the same egg so they will have the same genes on the other hand dizygotic twins (fraternal twins) are formed when two sperm and two ova unite leading to two offspring with unique individual genetic make up. The male determines the baby’s gender since the female egg always contains an X and the sperm carries either X or Y: XX is a girl and XY is a boy.
Unfortunately, there are problems when it comes to genetic instruction that can cause chromosomal abnormalities and single gene defects. To learn more detailed information follow this link to the March of Dimes website which has detailed information on distinguishing and explaining chromosomal conditions. It also provides contact information to organizations regarding specific disorders:http://www.marchofdimes.com/hbhb_syndication/15530_1209.asp
Now that the ovum has been fertilized by the sperm the wonderful process of growing begins known as prenatal development, conception up until birth. Conception is divided into three phases; zygote (1-2 weeks), embryo (2-8 weeks), fetus (9 weeks until birth).
- Once the zygote is formed it travels through the fallopian tubes into the uterus all while creating new cells. Mitosis is an important process that creates duplicate cells of the zygote and splits into more new cells and these new cells share the original 46 chromosomes. This splitting process continues all through life in order to support growth. Hence two divide into four, four divide into eight, and then up to 16 cells are formed. A week after traveling the egg attaches to the uterus dividing once more into what become the embryo and the placenta. Just in two weeks all of the mentioned occurs along with the merging of cells to form the brain and nervous system.
- During the embryonic stage life support becomes a priority along with forming basic body structures that are vital in the human body.
- The fetal stage is the stage with the most rapid development. It needs to get the being ready to survive outside the womb with proper care from the parents of course. This stage basically perfects all the vital organs and structures that were formed during the embryonic stage.
Click the following to watch short 1-2min video clips showing the development from conception up until birth:http://www.parents.com/videos/fetal-development.htm?showVideo=true
This last section will cover tips on important things to remember before, during, and right after pregnancy. Women and men should live a healthy lifestyle before pregnancy, but most importantly women during the actual pregnancy. Avoid by all means any type of harmful substances known as teratogens, for example, drugs alcohol, prescription drugs, environmental hazards, and infectious diseases. Always go to scheduled doctor visits and follow all of your doctor’s instructions by any means. Pregnant women and expecting fathers should speak their mind and share their experiences. Also, if your baby has been exposed to teratogens seek advise on how to provide appropriate care once the baby is born. Preparing for the moment the family has been waiting for, meeting your beautiful baby, can become stressful and cause anxiety especially for first time parents. Make sure to get organized and prepare for the baby’s arrival at least a month in advance just in case an early delivery occurs. It is helpful to attend some childbirth classes that include various type of information that range from changes in nutrition to relaxation techniques during labor, and different positions to make the birthing process a bit easier (some of the many positions are shown here (http://www.better-childbirth-outcomes.com/labor-positions-download.html), along with useful pain interventions
Finally! Your water broke and now it’s time for the labor process. There are four stages of labor in which different events and experiences will occur. If labor does not occur naturally your doctor may have to induce the labor process or call for a caesarian in order to avoid complications. Once the baby is in your arms all the fears and anxieties felt are soon to be forgotten and the instinct of parenting will take over. The following link provides a helpful checklist on bringing the baby home as well as a pre-labor checklist video clip:http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/275/
The foundations of child development in genetics as we all know begins with genes, which are what consist each individuals units of heredity and are responsible for the operation of cells in every organ and system of the human body. The health and a child’s activity level are what determine the effect specific genes have during development. Thousands of genes containing DNA compose 23 unique pairs of chromosomes for each cell in the body for a total of 46 chromosomes, except for the reproductive cells known as gametes that are responsible for reproduction, sperm and ova, they have half of each chromosome pair. Meiosis is responsible for production of new reproductive cells, which make each cell unique from the genetic characteristics of the parents. Boys produce sperm once they hit puberty on the contrary to girls, which begin the production of ova during prenatal development and are born with the amount of ova they will have in their lifetime.
Once conception occurs and the sperm and ova unite then the 23 chromosomes from each parent unite to form 46 and a being is created, known as a zygote. Twins are formed when the zygote splits in one of the two following scenarios: monozygotic twins (identical twins) come from the same egg so they will have the same genes on the other hand dizygotic twins (fraternal twins) are formed when two sperm and two ova unite leading to two offspring with unique individual genetic make up. The male determines the baby’s gender since the female egg always contains an X and the sperm carries either X or Y: XX is a girl and XY is a boy.
Unfortunately, there are problems when it comes to genetic instruction that can cause chromosomal abnormalities and single gene defects. To learn more detailed information follow this link to the March of Dimes website which has detailed information on distinguishing and explaining chromosomal conditions. It also provides contact information to organizations regarding specific disorders:http://www.marchofdimes.com/hbhb_syndication/15530_1209.asp
Now that the ovum has been fertilized by the sperm the wonderful process of growing begins known as prenatal development, conception up until birth. Conception is divided into three phases; zygote (1-2 weeks), embryo (2-8 weeks), fetus (9 weeks until birth).
- Once the zygote is formed it travels through the fallopian tubes into the uterus all while creating new cells. Mitosis is an important process that creates duplicate cells of the zygote and splits into more new cells and these new cells share the original 46 chromosomes. This splitting process continues all through life in order to support growth. Hence two divide into four, four divide into eight, and then up to 16 cells are formed. A week after traveling the egg attaches to the uterus dividing once more into what become the embryo and the placenta. Just in two weeks all of the mentioned occurs along with the merging of cells to form the brain and nervous system.
- During the embryonic stage life support becomes a priority along with forming basic body structures that are vital in the human body.
- The fetal stage is the stage with the most rapid development. It needs to get the being ready to survive outside the womb with proper care from the parents of course. This stage basically perfects all the vital organs and structures that were formed during the embryonic stage.
Click the following to watch short 1-2min video clips showing the development from conception up until birth:http://www.parents.com/videos/fetal-development.htm?showVideo=true
This last section will cover tips on important things to remember before, during, and right after pregnancy. Women and men should live a healthy lifestyle before pregnancy, but most importantly women during the actual pregnancy. Avoid by all means any type of harmful substances known as teratogens, for example, drugs alcohol, prescription drugs, environmental hazards, and infectious diseases. Always go to scheduled doctor visits and follow all of your doctor’s instructions by any means. Pregnant women and expecting fathers should speak their mind and share their experiences. Also, if your baby has been exposed to teratogens seek advise on how to provide appropriate care once the baby is born. Preparing for the moment the family has been waiting for, meeting your beautiful baby, can become stressful and cause anxiety especially for first time parents. Make sure to get organized and prepare for the baby’s arrival at least a month in advance just in case an early delivery occurs. It is helpful to attend some childbirth classes that include various type of information that range from changes in nutrition to relaxation techniques during labor, and different positions to make the birthing process a bit easier (some of the many positions are shown here (http://www.better-childbirth-outcomes.com/labor-positions-download.html), along with useful pain interventions
Finally! Your water broke and now it’s time for the labor process. There are four stages of labor in which different events and experiences will occur. If labor does not occur naturally your doctor may have to induce the labor process or call for a caesarian in order to avoid complications. Once the baby is in your arms all the fears and anxieties felt are soon to be forgotten and the instinct of parenting will take over. The following link provides a helpful checklist on bringing the baby home as well as a pre-labor checklist video clip:http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/275/