Prenatal Influences - Essay Example

The harm is really brought about by the substance nicotine that causes the decrease of the flow of blood into the uterus, preventing the normal development of the placenta, and results in reduced fetal weight gain (Berk 111). As such, pregnant mothers should avoid a smoking lifestyle or second-hand smoking from the environment. Finally, exposure to radiation is another factor that hinders fetal development (Berk 113). In particular, medical Xrays should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.

If it cannot be avoided, then shields for abdominal Xrays should be requested. It was also important that as children grow up a stress-free environment at home is maintained or a combination of these harmful environmental factors can result in psychological imbalances characterized by low self-esteem and emotional instability.Issues at Birth Unfortunately, a decrease in the amount of blood in mothers during delivery can result to their baby going through anoxia or the lack of oxygen (Anslow; Bracci et al.

as cited in Berk 139). Ten percent of these babies develop cerebral palsy or brain damage and end up walking, speaking, or moving unsteadily. Others even have mental retardation. The good news is that children with cerebral palsy are now given holistic treatments to help them function fully in their everyday lives. They receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and special education that ultimately helps them to develop to the fullest of their physical, emotional, and mental capabilities.

Another birth issue that affects the development of children is premature delivery (Berk 140). Babies who have been born weeks before they can fully develop have certain difficulties. In specific, those who have been delivered six weeks in advance typically suffer from respiratory distress syndrome. To help these infants, mechanized respirators are used to facilitate proper breathing. On the other hand, stimulation is another helpful intervention for premature babies (Berk 142). Stimulation can come in the form of gentle rocking, soothing music, waterbeds, or maternal voice.

These simulation exercises are applied to help the babies increase in weight fast and sleep consistently (Arnon et al.; Marshall-Baker et al; Standley as cited in Berk 142)Works CitedBerk, Laura. Infants and Children: Prenatal Through Middle Childhood. 6th ed. Massachusetts: Allyn & Bacon, 2007.