3.11 Conclusion
There are a variety of factors that impact us before we are born. Biology and genetics plays a role in conception, fetal development, and in pregnancy experiences. The environment and social issues we live and grow in impact pregnancy outcomes, prenatal development, and the supports available to expecting parents. The dynamics between nature and nurture can create disparities that have a lifelong impact on people’s lives. In the next chapter we will discuss what happens during childbirth and the postpartum period. This period of time sets the tone for parenthood and is a crucial time in the development of a child.
3.11.1 Review of Learning Objectives
- Identify the biological, social and environmental factors influencing conception and pregnancy.
- Identify the stages of fetal development.
- Analyze the relationship between access to services and life outcomes.
- Compare and contrast the cultural and social influences on pregnancy and prenatal care and how they result in diverse pregnancy experiences.
3.10.7 Review of Key Terms
- Chromosomes: the strands of proteins and genetic material that live within our cells.
- Chromosomal abnormality: occurs when a child inherits too many or two few chromosomes.
- Dominant gene: a gene that expresses itself in the phenotype even when paired with a different version of the gene.
- Epigenetics: the study of modifications in DNA that affect gene expression and are passed on when the cells divide.
- Genes: the basic building block of heredity which are made up of DNA.
- Genotype: refers to the sum total of all the genes a person inherits.
- Heterozygous: when a person receives a different version of a gene from each parent.
- Homozygous: when a person received the same version of a gene from each parent.
- Mitosis: process by which a cell’s nucleus makes an exact copy of all the chromosomes and splits into two new cells.
- Meiosis: the process by which gametes are formed.
- Nature: refers to the biological, genetic, and hereditary factors that are passed on to us from our parents and ancestors.
- Nurture: refers to the environmental and social factors that influence development.
- Phenotype: refers to the genetic features that are expressed in our development
- Polygenic: characteristics that are the result of several genes.
- Recessive gene: a gene that expresses itself in the phenotype when paired with the same version of a gene.
- Teratogens: environmental factors that can contribute to birth defects.
3.10.8 Licenses and Attributions for Pregnancy and Social Context
“Conclusion” by Christina Belli is licensed under CC BY 4.0.