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Lifespan Development

What Does Psychology Say?

Lifespan DevelopmentWhat Does Psychology Say?
Photo of person resting their hands on their pregnant belly.
Figure 2.1 Pregnancy is a time of immense change for the growing offspring and all those involved in the pregnancy, birth, and caregiving of the newborn. (credit: modification of work “Pregnancy” by freestocks.org/Flickr, CC0 1.0)

Chapter Outline

2.1 Genetics and Environment
2.2 Reproductive Systems and Conception
2.3 Pregnancy and Prenatal Development
2.4 Childbirth and Perinatal Health
2.5 The Newborn in Context

Luisa is ten weeks pregnant with her first child and has been struggling with morning sickness. Nothing tastes right except for her favorite avocado roll from the sushi place nearby. Luisa knows she isn’t supposed to have raw fish but is unsure whether that means all sushi is risky. She’s already concerned about the half glass of wine she had at Thanksgiving before she knew she was expecting, and she just heard that the cup of coffee she enjoys every morning might be dangerous to the developing baby. She has started wondering whether her child will inherit her curly hair and height. On top of that, Luisa is interested in learning about home birth. When she suggested this, her mother insisted that she should give birth only in a hospital. At least she and her partner agree that they want only one biological child, and he will get a vasectomy after the baby’s birth. Lately, he has been hesitant and nervous about the procedure and has questions about recovery. Like many expecting and new parents, she wonders:

  • Will the child look or behave more like her or her partner?
  • What physical traits or health conditions that run in her family is her child likely to inherit?
  • How dangerous is consumption of substances like alcohol, caffeine, or uncooked fish to a birthing parent and a developing fetus?
  • Should birth take place in a hospital, at home, or somewhere else?
  • How effective is a vasectomy as a method of family planning?

In this chapter, you’ll find out what current research says about questions like these and more.

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