Here are some examples of development themes:

-prenatal development (zygotes, and fertilizationa and stuff)
-infancy
-the stages of development (like piaget and eriksons stages)
-imprinting
-attatchment
-stranger anxiety
-PARENTING (I really want one on this)
-the styles of parenting are : “because i said so,” “Do whatever you want,” and “I said do this because of this reason.”
-self concept: i sense of ones identity
-adolescence: like about peer pressure and getting away from your parents
-physical development: puberty and such
-social development:
-Biological clock
-Alzheimers
-Autism
Social clock

Early Childhood Development: Prenatal Through Age Eight

HUMAN EMBRYOLOGY PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT OF FORM AND FUNCTION

Congratulations on your pregnancy! What an exciting, special time of waiting for that new little one to arrive. I’m sure you are doing all you can to have a healthy, full-term baby by seeing your doctor regularly, getting plenty of fresh air and exercise, and taking your pre-natal vitamins. Doctors and scientists alike are now advising that you should add a supplement of fish oil during pregnancy along with your pre-natal vitamins.

Prenatal vitamins do not contain the omega 3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which is so vital for your baby’s brain development, retina formation, and nourishment of the nervous system to name a few. Fish oil contains the omega 3 fatty acid DHA along with other essential fatty acids that aid in good health. The placenta utilizes DHA during fetal development, with DHA making up 50% of the retinal structure and 30% of the brain.

There are intervals of concentrated nerve cell development as growth occurs in the womb where the DHA needs actually double. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women add a fish oil supplement during pregnancy to their normal dietary intake in order to ensure healthy growth of their babies since 98% of them aren’t getting enough of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA in the foods they eat.

Along with helping your baby’s development, taking fish oil during pregnancy has proven to be equally healthful for you, the mother. Studies have shown that supplementing with DHA helps reduce the risk of toxemia or pre-eclampsia, a rapid rise in blood pressure that affects 7% of pregnancies. This same research has also shown significantly less cases of postpartum depression.

Since the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency have issued warnings for small children and women of childbearing age not to eat more than 12 ounces of seafood per week because of possible contaminants in fish, and have gone on to state that large doses of mercury can damage developing brains, it is no wonder that pregnant women aren’t getting enough of the DHA they need from eating fish.

It is good to know that you can still get the health boost of fish without the threat of contaminants in the process by getting the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids in the form of these dietary supplements. It is important to read the manufacturers information on the package to be sure you are getting the omega 3 fatty acid DHA. For example, flax oil capsules contain ALA, which is a different form of omega 3 fatty acid, and isn’t as effective.

The recommended daily intake of <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.omega-3-health.com/”>fish oil </a> during pregnancy is 300-1400 mg of DHA. This is critical during the third trimester and supports the healthy development of the fetus’ brain and nerve cell membranes.

After the baby is born, and while breast feeding it is still crucial to continue to take this same dosage since our bodies don’t produce this essential nutrient and it is easy for the mother to become deficient after giving birth. By being health conscious and pro-active in caring for your body during pregnancy, you can be confident that you have done your part in delivering a full term, healthy baby.

To find out more information about this needed nutritional supplement check out my web site listed below in the bio section.

Normal fetal development depends on many things. But, Mom’s nutritional intake is of utmost importance. Prenatal vitamins are always recommended, particularly those that are rich in folate, vitamin C and other important nutrients. In recent years, doctors have begun recommending omega-3 supplements, too.

Omega-3s are long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acids found primarily in fish and fish oils. Pregnant women are cautioned to consume no more than two servings of fish per week, because of the risk of mercury contamination. Mercury intake during pregnancy leads to numerous birth defects and can cause miscarriage.

If they are tested for mercury and other contaminants, fish oil supplements are the best alternative to insure adequate omega-3 intake. Omega-3s, particularly DHA, are essential to normal fetal development, especially to normal brain and eye development.

DHA is found in human breast milk, but not cow’s milk or infant formulas, unless the formulas are fortified with DHA. About 40% of the nerve cells in the brain are composed of DHA. About 60% of the fatty acids in the retina, an area in the back of the eye responsible for central vision, are DHA.

Early studies showed that children who were breast-fed scored higher on IQ tests, were less likely to have behavioral problems, like ADHD, and had fewer allergies. It took years to for researchers to learn exactly what was missing in the formula-fed infant’s diet that accounted for the difference.

Today, we realize that the difference is DHA. Most infant formulas are now fortified with it, as a result.

Maternal blood levels of DHA drop by about 30% after birth. The drop is believed to be at least partially responsible for post-partum depression. Numerous studies have shown that low DHA levels in the blood are associated with depressive disorders and suicidal behavior. So, not only is DHA important for normal fetal development, it is also important for Mom’s mental health.

Supplementation is recommended for women that are breast-feeding, in order to provide the DHA necessary for healthy brain growth and the development of visual acuity. It also insures that the mother does not suffer from deficiencies.

Flaxseed supplements are promoted by some sources for their omega-3 content. But, like other plant sources, flaxseed does not provide DHA. If the mother is a strict vegan or objects to fish oil supplements for some other reason, marine algae supplements are an alternative. They cost more, but some of them are rich in DHA. That’s what the fishes eat.

Normal fetal development is not the only issue that researchers have looked at concerning omega-3 intake. The average diet is low in omega-3s, but high in omega-6s. Researchers believe that this dietary imbalance may lead to “fatter babies” and increased risk of obesity during childhood.

Omega-6 fatty acids are the primary component of corn oil. Most meats contain more omega-6s than 3s. The only logical way to correct the imbalance, insure normal fetal development, protect Mom’s health and perhaps, reduce the risk of childhood obesity is with fish oil supplementation.

Children whose mothers suffer depression in pregnancy are 34% more likely to experience delays to their development, research out today suggests.

The study is one of only a few to assess the impact of depression in pregnancy separately from postnatal depression, which affects women following childbirth.

Dr Toity Deave, from the Centre for Child and Adolescent Health at the University of the West of England, and lead author on the paper, said: “I believe the most important finding from our study is that maternal antenatal depression has a negative impact on children’s cognitive development, even when postnatal depression has been taken into account.

“The other important message is that it is the persistence of depression, as well as the intensity of antenatal depression, that has an impact on the child.”

A total of 11,098 women took part in the study, published in the journal BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

It found that 8,262 (74.4%) women were not depressed either antenatally (during pregnancy) or postnatally.

A total of 1,565 (14.1%) women were depressed on at least one occasion antenatally but not postnatally, while 537 (4.8%) women were depressed on at least one of two occasions when they were tested postnatally, but at neither occasion during pregnancy. A total of 156 (1.4%) women were persistently depressed both antenatally and postnatally.

Data was therefore available on 9,244 (83%) women for the period they were pregnant.

The authors said they found an association between “persistent depression during pregnancy and developmental delay, with a 50% increase in the odds of developmental delay associated with persistent antenatal depression”.

And they said the findings could better inform health workers treating pregnant women.

“These findings add to the growing body of research, suggesting that maternal psychological wellbeing during pregnancy has important consequences for child development.

“Women who are between 15 and 44 years form a group in which depression is the leading cause of disease burden worldwide.

“Therefore, obstetricians, midwives and GPs can play an active role in assessing and identifying maternal depression.

“Family and personal histories of depression and postpartum depression are known risk factors, and therefore, the use of these by healthcare professionals may be helpful in identifying women at risk.

“This is highly relevant for practice because maternal mental health problems are associated with the health of women’s partners, their children’s health, development and use of health services.”

The study was carried out by researchers from the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol.

It used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children on women who had an estimated date of delivery between April 1991 and December 1992.

Professor Philip Steer, editor-in-chief of BJOG, said: “Although there is clear evidence that women who experience antenatal depression are more likely to develop postnatal depression, little research has looked separately at antenatal depression and its effects on child development.

“This study is important because it has done just that and has found a significant link.

“Maternal depression, both antenatally and postnatally, has a significant impact on women and their families.

“It is essential for doctors, midwives and other healthcare professionals to be aware and play an active role in assessing and identifying maternal depression, so that those at risk can receive appropriate support and care during pregnancy and post-birth.”

For a free chat with a well known health expert as seen on tv and always heard on the radio call 0151 678 3358 or 07714 853 524 or visit http://www.clairehegarty.co.uk

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With over 85% of pregnant mothers being deficient in DHA omega 3, a good prenatal DHA source is vital for mother and baby’s health and well-being. Let me show you some of the benefits and how to select the safest and most effective oil.

 Over 70% of a newborn baby’s brain and central nervous system is made up of omega 3 fatty acids and 30% of our brains are composed of DHA omega 3 fats illustrating just how important it is.

A good supply of prenatal DHA will help to improve the baby’s IQ and motor skills and lead to less chance of behavioral problems later on.

Other recent studies show us that eyesight is improved along with hand-eye coordination, verbal ability and general comprehension skills.

Now regarding the benefits to the mother the main ones are a healthier all round pregnancy with less tiredness, and reduced risk of premature birth and also studies have shown a lower rate of post natal depression when a daily fish oil supplement has been taken.

These are quite substantial health benefits to be gained from one natural substance!

The two important omega 3 fatty acids are DHA and EPA as you may be aware, with DHA being responsible for most of the benefits and with fish oil being by far the best source of prenatal DHA.

To ensure your safety it is very important to choose an oil that has been molecularly distilled which is the process of removing the dangerous toxins like mercury and lead while leaving only the pure and safe omega 3 enhanced oil.

Next, and although quite obvious due to the nature of this article is to get a high amount of prenatal DHA! I say this because almost every supplement on the market has higher levels of EPA as it is cheaper to produce, so be aware and check the label or website carefully.

I would recommend at least 250mg of DHA per gel or capsule equating to roughly double the amount of EPA for the maximum protection and benefits.

I hope you will be more confident about selecting the best and safest prenatal DHA fish oil supplements now and can soon start to enjoy all the benefits they have to offer for both mother and baby with none of the risks.

If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA omega 3 supplements I personally take daily, visit my website today.

Many studies now show how important omega-3 DHA prenatal nutrition is, and how crucial it is for the development of the unborn baby. Whilst many women are taking these in supplement form, it is vital to select carefully to enjoy the full benefits and not be at risk from contaminants.

With studies showing that over 85% of pregnant and nursing mothers are deficient in DHA omega-3 and that around 70% of a new born baby’s nervous system and brain are made up of it, it is clear just how important prenatal DHA is.

DHA prenatal nutrition is so vital that even the European Union recommends taking at least 200mg per day. This has been shown to benefit the mother by a healthier pregnancy, a reduced risk of a premature birth and less incidence of post natal depression.

With benefits as big as helping fetal development, higher IQ, improved eyesight and less risk of any behavioural problems later in life, a prenatal DHA fish oil supplement is simply a necessity.

With recommendations to only eat one portion of oily fish a week because of the contaminants, it is essential to take a high quality supplement. The problem is with such a competitive market, there are many poor ones.

Purity in DHA prenatal supplements is very important and oil from fish like Hoki from the pristine waters of New Zealand are naturally rich in DHA and low in contaminants.

You should absolutely ensure that the product has been molecularly distilled to remove all the impurities like mercury, lead and arsenic which the fish carry in their flesh from polluted waters. This process will leave only safe pure concentrated oil in its natural state ready for easy absorption by the body.

Your main problem will be to find an oil that has a higher amount of DHA as opposed to the other omega-3 fatty acid EPA.  Almost all of them have higher EPA levels as it is cheaper to produce, but you should look for around 250mg of DHA per capsule or soft gel.

In closing, I hope this article on DHA prenatal fish oil supplements has shown you the amazing benefits and will guide you to the best oil.

If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA fish oil supplements I personally take daily, visit my website today.