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. 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, b...