MICHELLY SILVA PERIODS OF DEVELOPMENT
FACTSHEETS
The vast changes that take place
during the 38 weeks of pregnancy are
usually divided into three periods: (1) the
period of the zygote, (2) the period of the
embryo, and (3) the period of the fetus
(Berk, 2013, section 3.3, para.4)
PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT
Prenatal development can be broken
down into three periods:
Zygote
Embryo
Fetus
Within this time frame of
thirty-eight weeks the unborn
child undergoes major
transformations in all domains of
development.
Developmental Milestones:
1. First trimester
(1-12 weeks)
Starting with the first
trimester, the greatest changes occur
as the egg develops into a fetus.
Physical development is evident in
the formation of major organs like
the heart, spine, brain, and limbs.
Cognitive development takes
place as the fetuss sense of touch
emerges and he or she begins to
move inside the womb.
2. Second trimester
(13-24 weeks)
As the fetus continues to
grow in inches and weight physical
development progresses.
Cognitive development
accelerates as neurons in the brain
take shape and the baby becomes
sensitive to light.
Language development also
starts in the womb where the fetus
will react to sounds.
1
3. Third Trimester
(25-38 weeks)
Finally, when the fetus
approaches birth all organs are ready
to function outside the womb.
Sensory, reflexes, and language
development become more complex
and the baby can recognize his or her
mothers voice.
Strategies for
Families:
For a healthy
pregnancy, expectant mothers should
seek prenatal care, take prenatal vitamins,
eat nutritious foods, and stay active while
avoiding the exposure to alcohol, drugs,
and environmental hazards.
Signs of Atypical Development:
Abdominal pain
Bleeding
No fetal movement
Inconsistent fetal weight gain or
growth
Reference
Berk, L. E. (2013). Child development. (9th
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson.