Bio 208

BIO – 208 – OL

Written Assignment #5

Describe the normal events of fetal development. How does malnutrition impair fetal development?

There are 4 specific stages of fetal development. The first stage is when the mother’s egg or ovum is fertilized by a single sperm from the father resulting in a cell called a Zygote. The zygote holds all of the necessary genetic DNA information for the zygote to become a child. Half of the information comes from the father and half comes from the mother. About 2 weeks after fertilization the zygote is implanted on the wall of the woman’s uterus. Day by day cells in the zygote continue to split and multiply. Early on the cells double about every 24 hours slowing soon there after.

The next stage of development is known as the Embryo. During this stage the cells multiply and begin to take on and develop certain life maintaining functions. The process known is known as differentiation.[1] External features are now stating to become noticeable and potential defects can be detected. It is at this point where nutritional deficiencies can have an impact on the development. Other issues such as the use of alcohol and drugs can impact the development as well.

The third stage of development is known as the Fetus or fetal stage. This next stage occurs after the 8th week of the pregnancy. It is during this period where the organs grow and develop, the weight increases and physical features come significantly into focus. This period lasts from week 9 until week 38 to 42.

The last stage of the pregnancy is Birth of the newborn infant. The pregnancy has come to term and the mother has delivered the child. As I spoke of earlier nutritional deficiencies can have a significant impact on the pregnancy. A pregnant mother must eat and be nourished for two. Malnutrition can lead to an underdeveloped placenta which in turn will under nourish the fetus potentially resulting in physical or mental abnormalities. [2] Undernourished pregnancies...