The Critical Period In Life

The critical period is a very special time in human development while teratogens can dismantle development in an instant or over time causing birth defects. This essay will explore the definition of the critical period as well as teratogens. We will also list at least four (4) common teratogens and discuss their effect on development. These periods are extremely vital, and their results can alter a child quality of live forever.

The critical period is an optimal period early in the life of an organism when exposure to certain stimuli or experiences produce normal development. (Dewall, 2016) The critical period is also the time when its like use it or lose it. Put another way, the textbook outlines that if a child does not use specific body parts or functions, over a period of time, the functions do not develop properly and therefore, are useless. (Dewall, 2016) For example, the eyes must be utilized in order for the full growth of the dendrites which control the orbital function to mature.

The dendrite is a neuron, often bushy branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell boy. (Dewall, 2016) Dendrites need specific stimuli to develop properly. Thus, an uncovered eye along with its corresponding dendrites would development properly as opposed to a cover eye with its corresponding dendrites would experience defect.

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Now we will explore teratogens. Teratogens are agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm. (Dewall, 2016)

There are four common teratogens that we will explore here. They are as follows: (1) alcohol, (2) stress, (3) smoking and (4) drugs. “When alcohol enters a pregnant woman’s bloodstream and that of her fetus it reduces activity their central nervous system. Continued use of this depressant could result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).” (Dewall, 2016) According to the textbook, fetal alcohol syndrome is a physical and cognitive abnormality in children caused by a pregnant woman’s heavy drinking. In sever cases, signs include, a small out of proportion head and abnormal facial features. (Dewall, 2016)

Stress is a factor many people content with in some shape of form or fashion. Many of us are stressed about basic necessities such as money, jobs/ careers and for some shelter. To that end, many of us endure the daily effects of stress, couple that with the impact of pregnancy on a woman’s body and stress has a completely new meaning. Stress can cause a pregnant woman to go into labor prematurely. It can also cause the unborn child to have heart disease, hypertension, obesity and psychiatric disorders. (Dewall, 2016) The realities of stress can be life altering and, in some cases, deadly.

We are all familiar with the impacts of smoking on the body. The warning of the surgeon general has been ignored by those who continue to partake in the destructions of this awful habit. What smoking does to the lungs should be a deterrent, and what it could do to an unborn child is even more devastating. “Smoking causes epigenetic affects and leaves chemical marks that causes the infant to deal with stress negatively. Additionally, it can cause early delivery and low birth rate” (Dewall, 2016)

The statistics indicate that the impact of drugs has disproportionally affects various communities in our society. What was once a war in drugs during the crack epidemic has transformed into a medical emergency for the “opioid crisis.” It is no secrets that drugs require a deeper discussion; however, here we will discuss the impact they have on a pregnant woman’s body. Drugs, much like smoking has a direct impact on the fetus in that it negatively impacts the developmental process. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health services Administration's 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 5.4 percent of pregnant women between ages 18-44 had used alcohol during their first trimester 4.8 percent in their second trimester, and 2.4 percent in the last trimester of pregnancy.. Similar numbers were seen with marijuana, cigarette, and binge alcohol use. (Johnson, 2019) Drugs such cocaine, and crystal meth causes additions no only to the mother but can be passed on to the fetus as well. It is paramount that that a pregnant woman refrains from drug usage in any form during pregnancy.

In conclusion the critical period and teratogens are vital stages in a child’s development. We must protect this period in the most healthy and productive way for the overall benefit of a child growth and longevity.

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