Title: Identify biological processes related to prenatal development.
Course: Child Development and Parenting (19255-36)

Identification should include

- warning signs of abnormal prenatal conditions
- the biological process of conception
- technological processes and devices designed either to prevent pregnancy or to enhance fertility and enable pregnancy
- the biological process associated with development of an embryo and fetus by trimester
- technological processes and devices designed to monitor the fetus, diagnose genetic conditions, and support the health of the mother and fetus
- strategies a mother should use for good prenatal care at each phase of prenatal development
- potential complications (e.g., multiples, stillbirths, miscarriages, placental complications)
- the importance of good nutrition during pregnancy
- effects of substances (e.g., medications [i.e., prescription, over-the-counter drugs], illegal drugs, alcohol), or other harmful factors (e.g., problematic environment) on the mother and/or the child
- pregnancy termination due to severe health risks for the mother or fetus or other factors
- risk factors related to maternal age and gestational viability.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What behaviors on the part of a pregnant woman are likely to protect and enhance the health of the baby? What behaviors can harm the baby? What are the consequences of these behaviors?
- What are the risks associated with the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs during the development of the embryo and fetus?
- What are teratogens?
- What are the possible outcomes of genetic testing? What short- and long-term choices may be required of prospective parents of a child with an inherited disease or condition?
- What happens to pregnant women and their babies when the women cannot afford prenatal care?

Communication

- Where do individuals acquire attitudes and beliefs about family planning? What factors determine decisions by pregnant women (or women planning to become pregnant) about nutrition, smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and medical procedures such as X-rays and amniocentesis?
- What happens when prospective parents share the decision-making regarding prenatal care and childbirth? What happens when the woman has to make these decisions alone?

Leadership

- What other methods exist for becoming a parent besides conceiving and giving birth to a baby? What changes occur when becoming a parent by adopting a child, by marrying a person who already has a child, or by acting as a foster parent?
- Why is it important to learn about all the methods of becoming a parent?
- What are the results of using technological procedures to save the life of a newborn with multiple severe health problems? What choices are required of the parents of this child? What ethical challenges must be dealt with by the medical professionals and parents?

Management

- What information do individuals need to debate the ramifications of technological advances in obstetric and neonatal care?
- Where can individuals get reliable information about conception, prenatal development, and birth?
- How does one identify the features of perinatal depression?
- How can environmental factors influence postpartum depression?