The Importance Of Nutrition In Human Development

Maya Louise Nibe

PSY 215

Segment 7&8

A mother’s nutrition is important to the development and growth of the fetus and health of the newborn child. Since the developing fetus depends on nutrition from the mother, it is important that mothers eat well and avoid harmful substances that could be transported through her blood stream to the fetus. The mother’s blood does not mix directly with the blood of the fetus. Instead, the Placenta, an organ connecting the fetus to the wall of the uterus via the umbilical cord, nourishes the baby with nutrients and oxygen picked up from the mother’s bloodstream. It will also eliminate carbon dioxide and waste from the womb and release it to the mother’s blood stream for disposal.

Pregnancy is divided into

Internal and external factors in the mother’s life influence fetal development as well. Therefore, the mother needs to take extra precaution to sustain a healthy physical and mental environment, a balanced diet, and avoid exposure to harmful influences such as drugs, alcohol, disease, and environmental hazards. Early prenatal care can provide the support you need to have a healthy pregnancy. While continuing regular activities and exercise is important, women can also participate in classes that help prepare them for childbirth. They teach you techniques and methods that will allow you to experience a more smooth

As the fetus grows, it demands more fat and nutrition than the mother’s blood supply can provide. The need for more food triggers the onset of labor. The fetus needs to leave the womb and find a more efficient form of nutrition. In the first stage of labor, signals are sent to the mother’s body for the uterus to contract and the cervix to dilate to get ready for the head to squeeze through. However, humans are poorly designed for birth. Walking upright has caused the skeleton to evolve with a narrow pelvis and the human brain has also developed larger than other primates. Therefore, birthing a large head through this narrow opening can be dangerous and painful. To overcome these difficulties, women are usually accompanied by someone to provide physical and emotional support throughout labor. In the second stage, the head is pushed through the cervix and the baby is delivered. The time it takes can vary depending on the person and circumstances. In the last, and most brief, stage of labor, the placenta is discharged. Even though most births go according to plan, there is a possibility of complications. These include oxygen shortage to the baby (anoxia), shift in the baby’s body position (breech position) and incorrect use of forceps, vacuum extractors or medications. Cesarean sections, or C-sections, refer to the surgical removal of the fetus when natural birth puts the baby or mother at risk.