1. Review the Brief Chapter Summary.
2. Answer and submit the Learning Objectives. Write the question and then the answer.
3. Complete and submit the Learning Activity. Write the question and then the answer.
BRIEF CHAPTER SUMMARY
This chapter begins with a discussion of motivations for parenthood and current changes in birth patterns. Today, men
and women are more likely to weigh the pros and cons of having children than they were in previous generations. The
American family has declined in size over time, a trend that has benefits for child rearing. Births to women over age
30 have increased, a change associated with both advantages and disadvantages for children.
At no other time is change as rapid as it is before birth. Prenatal development takes place in three phases: (1) the
period of the zygote, during which the newly fertilized ovum travels down the fallopian tube and attaches itself to
the uterine wall; (2) the period of the embryo, during which the groundwork for all body structures is laid down; and
(3) the period of the fetus, the Ògrowth and finishingÓ phase.
The prenatal period is a vulnerable time. The developing organism can be endangered by teratogens, including
drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, radiation, and environmental pollution, as well as infectious disease, inadequate exercise
and nutrition, maternal stress, Rh blood incompatibility, and maternal age. Prenatal health care is vitally important to
ensure the health of mother and baby.
For most expectant parents, however, the prenatal period is not a time of medical hazard. Rather, it is a time of
major life change in which mothers and fathers prepare for parenthood.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
3.1 Cite advantages and disadvantages of parenthood mentioned by modern North American couples. (pp. 93-95)
3.2 Review current trends in family size and childbearing age, and discuss their impact on child development. (pp. 95-97)
3.3 List the three phases of prenatal development, and describe the major milestones of each. (pp. 97-104)
3.4 Define the term teratogen, and summarize the factors that affect the impact of teratogens. (pp. 104-107)
3.5 List agents known to be or suspected of being teratogens, and discuss evidence supporting the harmful effects of each. (pp. 107-115)
3.6 Discuss maternal factors other than exposure to teratogens that can affect the developing embryo or fetus. (pp. 115-119)
3.7 Discuss the importance of prenatal health care, and cite some of the barriers to seeking such care. (pp. 119-122)
3.8 Explain the factors that contribute to personal adjustment as expectant mothers and fathers prepare for parenthood. (pp. 122-124)
LEARNING ACTIVITY 3.5: Creating a Pamphlet for Expectant Fathers
Using research throughout the chapter, create a pamphlet for expectant fathers on what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth. For example, what changes can the father expect in his partner? What changes does the baby undergo during each trimester? Why are health and nutrition so important during pregnancy? What will the newborn look like? How can he support the mother during pregnancy and childbirth, and why is social support important for both mother and baby?
NOTE: YOU MAY USE MICROSOFT WORD, POWER POINT, OR PUBLISHER TO COMPLETE THIS PROJECT.