Key Terms

abstract thinking

the ability to think through scenarios with different possible outcomes and evaluate which outcome would be best

bonding

when a caregiver and a baby feel a strong attachment to each other

colostrum

a nutrient-dense liquid that also helps bolster the newborn’s immune system

conception

the biological process of a sperm fertilizing an egg

congenital malformation

any health problem or physical abnormality that is present at birth, otherwise known as a birth defect

developmental task

a challenge the individual wants to solve that arises predictably at a certain period in life

embryonic period

the period of development from approximately two weeks after conception to eight weeks after conception

failure to thrive (FTT)

inadequate weight gain or sudden weight loss

fetal period

prenatal development from week nine after conception to birth

high-risk pregnancy

any pregnancy in which there are increased health risks for the pregnant person, the developing fetus, or both

menarche

first menstrual period

milestones

activities 75 percent or more of children can do by a certain age

morula

mass of cells that develops three days after conception

ovum

an egg

phenylketonuria (PKU)

a rare metabolic disorder that can cause intellectual disabilities but is highly treatable with diet modification

pre-embryonic period

the period of fetal development that occurs in the first two weeks after conception

prenatal development

the development period that starts with conception and ends with birth

proximodistal

development occurs closer to the midline first and then in the extremities

puberty

the stage of development during which physical and sexual maturity occurs and individuals become capable of reproduction

separation anxiety

a child’s fear of abandonment when their primary caregiver leaves

shaken baby syndrome

a serious type of abuse that usually occurs when a parent or caregiver shakes a baby out of anger or frustration

substance use

alcohol or drug use

sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

the sudden death of an infant that does not have an identifiable cause, even after a full investigation

teratogen

any external force, such as a medication, chemical, alcohol, drug, or maternal infection, that can cause fetal abnormalities

zygote

the product of conception or a fertilized egg