Prenatal and Post-Partum Scenario - Essay Example

Life-Span Development: Pregnancy and Postpartum Scenario Advice to 6 month pregnant woman The developing fetus depends on the mother completely fornutrition. The nutrition enters the baby from the mothers blood through placenta. Thus a pregnant woman must take appropriate calories, proteins, minerals and vitamins. However, caution must be taken not to become obese. While malnourishment in the mother can lead to malformation in children, obesity in the mothers can contribute to neonatal death, still birth and developmental defects in the central nervous system (Santrock, 2004).2. The pregnant woman must avoid stress and stressful activities.

Anxiety, fear and other intense emotions which are a part of stress cause exaggerated production of adrenaline which causes restriction of blood flow to the uterine area causing deprivation of adequate oxygen to the fetus. Thus stress can lead to premature delivery and its consequences. Stress in pregnancy also have long-term consequences like behavioural problems in childhood (Santrock, 2004).3. The pregnant woman must undergo ultrasound examination for fetal anomalies between 18- 20 weeks of gestation.

At this point of time, all organs are developed and it becomes easier to detect any obvious congenital anomalies through ultrasound at this stage. According to ecological theory, several biological and environmental factors affect the growth of the fetus and the child (Santrock, 2004). Thus a normal nutrition and a stress-free environment is essential for normal development of the fetus. Advice to postpartum woman1. The child must be breast fed as much as possible. According to Freuds theory of development, infants are in the oral stage of development and derive gratification from sucking (Santrock, 2004).

Derivation of such pleasure at this stage allows them to have satisfaction and facilitates growth and development.2. The mother should shower affection on the child and not do any thing to harm the child. According to Eriksons first psychosocial stage, trust is developed at this stage and the infant sets stage for expectation that the world is a pleasant and goof place to live. the expectation which begins at this stage lasts life long.3. The mother should allow the child to touch, feel and explore various things on his/her own.

According to Pigets cognitive developmental theory, the first stage is the stage of sensorimotor stage during which time the infant develops and understanding of the world through coordination of various sensory experiences through various physical actions (Santrock, 2004).ReferencesSantrock, J. (2004). Essentials of Lifespan Development. London: The Mcgraw-Hill.