For this weeks application, watch the Crash Course video on Pregnancy and Development (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtsSbZ85yiQ). As you are watching, listen for the following items. Your paper should include… 1. A general summary of the video 2. What the process of pregnancy and development is 3. Changes that occur in the mother during pregnancy 4. Include course content to support the video 5. Formatted in APA
Title: Pregnancy and Development: An Overview
Introduction:
Pregnancy and development are complex processes that involve significant physiological and psychological changes in the mother’s body. This paper provides a general summary of the Crash Course video on Pregnancy and Development, along with an analysis of the process, the changes that occur during pregnancy, and relevant course content that supports the video’s information. The paper follows the guidelines for APA formatting.
1. General Summary of the Video:
The Crash Course video on Pregnancy and Development offers viewers a comprehensive understanding of the various stages and key concepts associated with the process of pregnancy. The video begins with an introduction to the basics of reproduction and conception. It discusses the role of sperm and eggs, explaining how they meet and fuse to form a zygote. The narrator then goes on to explain how the zygote implants itself into the uterus, leading to the development of the embryo.
The video further explores the different stages of prenatal development, outlining key milestones such as the formation of the organs, limbs, and the development of the nervous system. It also highlights the importance of the placenta in providing nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus while removing waste products.
Additionally, the video addresses topics related to labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It explains the various stages of labor, including dilation, expulsion, and the delivery of the placenta. The role of hormones, such as oxytocin, in initiating and regulating contractions is also discussed. The video concludes by briefly touching on postpartum physical and emotional adjustments experienced by new mothers.
2. The Process of Pregnancy and Development:
Pregnancy and development can be divided into three distinct stages: the germinal period, the embryonic period, and the fetal period. The germinal period begins with conception and lasts approximately two weeks. During this period, the zygote undergoes rapid cell division, forming a blastocyst which eventually implants itself into the uterine lining.
The embryonic period spans from the third to the eighth week of gestation. During this stage, the major organs and structures of the body begin to form. The embryo is highly susceptible to external influences, and any disruptions during this time can have long-lasting effects on development.
The fetal period extends from the ninth week until birth. During this phase, the fetus continues to grow and develop in size and complexity. By the end of the second trimester, the fetus can hear sounds from the outside world and exhibit various reflexes. In the third trimester, the fetus experiences rapid brain development and gains substantial weight in preparation for birth.
3. Changes Occurring in the Mother during Pregnancy:
Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in the mother’s body to accommodate and support the developing fetus. These changes are both physiological and psychological.
Physiological changes during pregnancy include hormonal shifts that are essential for maintaining a suitable environment for fetal growth. For instance, the placenta produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which helps sustain the pregnancy and prevents menstruation. Progesterone and estrogen levels also rise to support uterine lining maintenance, breast development, and the regulation of other hormonal functions.
The mother’s cardiovascular system undergoes substantial adaptations during pregnancy. Blood volume increases by approximately 50% to meet the demands of the growing fetus, contributing to the typical symptoms of pregnancy such as swollen ankles and varicose veins. Additionally, the heart experiences changes in size, rate, and function to accommodate the increased blood flow.
4. Course Content Supporting the Video:
The Crash Course video provides a valuable overview of pregnancy and development, aligning with various concepts covered in our course. For example, it complements discussions on embryonic development by explaining the formation of basic structures and highlighting the importance of proper nutrition, environmental factors, and prenatal care in ensuring healthy fetal development.
Furthermore, the video’s emphasis on the physiological changes in the mother during pregnancy supports the course content addressing maternal adaptations. It reinforces the significance of understanding the hormonal changes, cardiovascular adjustments, and anatomical transformations that occur to sustain the growing fetus.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Crash Course video on Pregnancy and Development provides an engaging and informative overview of the process of pregnancy, emphasizing the changes occurring in both the mother and the developing fetus. By exploring the stages of pregnancy, discussing physiological changes, and relating the information to course content, the video enhances our understanding of this crucial aspect of human reproduction.