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Biological basis of child health 2: introduction to fertilisation, prenatal development and birth

Last Reviewed: 16/09/2024
prenatal development

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This article is the second in a series called the biological basis of child health. It considers the period of development from fertilisation to birth, outlining the three stages of prenatal development – the germinal, embryonic and fetal stages. The article details how tissues and organs typically develop at each stage, and explains how and when deviations in development and congenital anomalies are likely to occur. It also describes some of the common congenital anomalies, their potential effects and their detection before or after birth. Information is also provided about the delivery of full-term infants, including the stages of labour.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to enhance your knowledge of the stages of prenatal development

to increase your awareness of the types, causes and detection of congenital anomalies

to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers).

Authors

Doreen Crawford

Nurse Adviser - Crawford McKenzie, Colsterworth, England

Amy Noakes

Senior Lecturer - children’s nursing, School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, England

Kate Davies

Senior Lecturer - children’s nursing, School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, England

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
Downloaded from https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/e1247-Biological-basis-of-child-health-2-introduct.
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Last Reviewed: 16/09/2024