Neonatal Assessment QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD The transition from uterine to extrauterine life happens quickly, thanks to the brain stem’s detection of the rise and fall of arterial…

Reflexes QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD Reflexes are automatic responses to certain stimuli, such as the eye blink and the knee jerk. Reflexes serve a definite purpose: They sustain…

Hazards of Prematurity QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD Prematurity is determined by the relationship between gestation and weight at birth. Infants are premature if born before 37 weeks, regardless…

Adoption QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD About 2%-4% of children in the United States are adopted; about 127,000 new adoptions each year. In closed adoptions, biological parents have no…

Influences on Prenatal Development QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD Teratogens are extrauterine agents that cause structural abnormalities in the embryo or fetus. Types of teratogens include chemicals (alcohol), maternal…

Genetic Disorders QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD A genetic disease is caused by abnormalities in an individual’s genetic material (genome). There are four different types of genetic disorders: (1)…

The Human Genome Project QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD The Human Genome Project occurred from 1990 to 2003. A “rough draft” of the human genome was announced in 2000….

Assisted Reproductive Techniques QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an option for couples who are unable to conceive naturally. Sperm donation occurs when male sperm…

Conception to Birth QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD The first 2 weeks are the germinal period. For the first 8 weeks, the new organism is called an embryo. Organogenesis…