Stages of Prenatal Development and Birth — Summary of Chapter 4 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span

Stages of Prenatal Development and Birth — Summary of Chapter 4 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span

Human development begins before birth, and the prenatal stage lays the foundation for all future growth. Chapter 4 of Kathleen Stassen Berger’s The Developing Person Through the Life Span offers a detailed overview of prenatal development, the birth process, and the challenges faced by both newborns and parents. This chapter highlights the incredible complexity of early development while addressing common risks and adaptations during and after birth.

Book cover

Watch the full video above for a concise, podcast-style walkthrough of the entire chapter, or continue reading for a structured breakdown of key topics in prenatal and newborn development.

The Three Stages of Prenatal Development

1. Germinal Period (First 2 Weeks)

This stage begins with the formation of a zygote through the union of sperm and egg. Rapid cell division and cell differentiation begin immediately, but many zygotes fail to implant in the uterine wall.

2. Embryonic Period (Weeks 3–8)

Major organs and body systems start to develop. By the eighth week:

  • The central nervous system is forming
  • Heart, limbs, eyes, ears, and digestive systems are established
  • Facial features begin to take shape

3. Fetal Period (Week 9 to Birth)

At this stage, growth accelerates. Key developments include:

  • Formation of sex organs
  • Brain maturation and increased fetal movement
  • Age of viability reached by 22–25 weeks, the point at which survival outside the womb becomes possible

Labor, Birth, and Newborn Assessments

Labor is typically initiated by the hormone oxytocin. First-time labors can last over 12 hours. Once the baby is born, doctors use the Apgar scale to assess immediate health across five areas: heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color.

Common Birth Complications

  • Anoxia: Oxygen deprivation during birth, which can cause brain damage
  • Cesarean Section (C-Section): A surgical birth method that can reduce labor risks but may increase complications in future pregnancies

Newborn Reflexes

Reflexes help infants survive and adapt. These include:

  • Sucking
  • Grasping
  • Moro reflex (startle response)

Risks: Teratogens and Low Birthweight

Teratogens

Teratogens are substances that can cause birth defects or developmental delays. Their impact depends on timing, dose, and genetic susceptibility. Common teratogens include:

  • Alcohol (linked to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders)
  • Drugs (prescription or recreational)
  • Pollutants and infections

Low Birthweight (LBW)

Defined as weighing less than 5½ pounds (2,500 grams), LBW is associated with premature birth, malnutrition, maternal stress, and drug exposure. It increases the risk of cognitive delays, chronic diseases, and complications later in life.

Postnatal Adjustments and Parental Well-Being

Postpartum Depression

About 8–15% of mothers experience postpartum depression, marked by sadness, withdrawal, or anxiety. This can interfere with bonding and infant development. Some fathers also experience couvade syndrome, developing symptoms of pregnancy in sympathy with their partner.

Kangaroo Care

Kangaroo care—holding the newborn skin-to-skin—has proven benefits for regulating temperature, heart rate, and sleep, and promotes emotional bonding, especially in preterm infants.

Conclusion: The Importance of the Earliest Days

Chapter 4 provides a powerful look into the earliest phase of life—from zygote to newborn. Understanding prenatal development and birth complications allows caregivers, professionals, and students to appreciate the importance of supportive environments, medical care, and parental health during this critical period of growth.

To hear all of this explained in podcast form, watch the full episode here and deepen your understanding of human development from its very beginning.

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