PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 1 Prenatal and Neonatal Quick Reference

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Capella University

PSY FPX 6025 Child Psychology

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Prenatal and Neonatal Quick Reference

Giving Birth During Adolescence

In 2012, more than 86,000 adolescents aged 15 to 17 gave birth, accounting for over 25% of teens who became mothers before finishing high school. Alarmingly, approximately 1,700 teens in this age group give birth each week, highlighting the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy. Furthermore, only 27% of teens aged 15 to 17 report that they have never engaged in sexual activity (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2019).

Best Practices for a Healthy Pregnancy

Ensuring a healthy pregnancy greatly improves the chances of a healthy birth. Early and consistent prenatal care is essential for promoting a healthy pregnancy, ideally starting even before conception through pre-pregnancy consultations with healthcare providers. Additionally, maintaining proper nutrition, achieving healthy weight gain, and taking vitamin supplements are vital practices to support the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus (American Psychological Association, 2020).

Supporting Lung Development

Fetal lung development occurs in several critical stages, beginning with the pseudoglandular stage around 5 to 17 weeks of gestation and progressing through subsequent phases until the final stage, which starts around the 36th week of pregnancy. The last month of gestation is particularly crucial for lung maturation, underscoring the importance of allowing babies to reach full term whenever possible to reduce the risks associated with premature birth (Chisholm, 2021).

Exercise for Fetal Lung Health

Recent research presented at the 2021 European Respiratory Society International Congress indicates that maternal exercise during pregnancy can enhance fetal lung health, potentially lowering the risk of respiratory issues such as asthma later in life. This study builds on earlier findings that link low lung function in infancy to an increased vulnerability to respiratory disorders (Ooko, 2021).

Impact of Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, including maternal exposure to pollutants, air fresheners, and certain cleaning products, can significantly affect fetal development. Additionally, the quality of water used for bathing and the risk of infectious diseases such as bird flu and salmonella can influence fetal growth and development, emphasizing the importance of maternal lifestyle choices (Ooko, 2021).

Father’s Role in Prenatal Attachment

Father-child attachment begins during pregnancy, with interactions such as the father’s voice and feeling the baby’s movements promoting early bonding. This attachment strengthens upon the baby’s arrival, as fathers actively participate in caregiving, which contributes to the child’s emotional development and self-confidence (Biller, 1976).

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).

Ashley, J. M. (1999). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.scrip.org

PSY FPX 6025 Assessment 1 Prenatal and Neonatal Quick Reference

Biller, H. (1976). The role of the father in child development. New York: M.E. Lamb (Ed.).

Chisholm, A. (2021, October 20). When are babies’ lungs fully developed? Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2019, December 19). Preventing teen pregnancy. Retrieved from CDC Division of Reproductive Health: https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/young-teen-pregnancy/index.html