Early Developmental Issues in Child Development - ECE 130 Week 2 PDF

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Early Developmental Issues in Child Development

Daniel ‘DJ’ Barnett Grand Canyon University ECE-130: Educational and Developmental Psychology for Early Childhood Educators Professor: D. Chisenhall June 20, 2021

2 Early Developmental Issues in Child Development Meeting One There are personal environmental factors that can affect everyday life, and many of these can have a greater impact on prenatal development. Child development is extremely vulnerable during the prenatal stage, or the first nine months of life (Cherry, 2021). Through personal awareness and education, many of the hazards can be properly addressed and/or completely avoided, ensuring the best possible development of the child. Many people take prescription medication on a regular basis and calculate the risk of side effects with their personal doctor(s). During pregnancy, however, there is an increased risk of danger from exposure to medications for the child. Thanks to the growing testing and technology, doctors have found that some children can be affected by medicines as early as the first 10 days to two weeks of development (Cherry, 2021). It is important to meet and discuss any medications that the mother may be taking with their prenatal physician to reduce the child’s developmental risk(s). Recreational drug use, including the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, can also negatively impact the prenatal development process. Research shows that fetal exposure to psychoactive drugs, those that can affect the mood and behavior of the user, like alcohol and tobacco can have a measurable effect on child development (Cherry, 2021). Medical concerns like low birth weight, physical birth defects, chemical dependency withdrawal symptoms, and fetal alcohol syndrome have all been tied to the use of these substances by the mother during pregnancy (Ross, Graham, Money, & Stanwood, 2015). Meeting Two

3 The majority of babies in the US are delivered in hospitals where an entire team of medical professionals are available for any intervention that may be needed in the labor and delivery process (Ben-Joseph, 2018). The advantages of delivering at the hospital include “easier” access to pain relieving drugs, the immediate response of medical professionals if necessary, the option to have labor induced if needed, and the continuous monitoring of the child and mother through the use of certified medical equipment (Ben-Joseph, 2018). Commonly reported disadvantages of having your baby in the hospital include the [much] higher costs involved, the uncomfortable and unfamiliar setting, and the limited amount of visitors/ team members allowed in the delivery room. Pregnant mothers can also choose to deliver in a birthing center, or a “free-standing care facility for childbirth” (American Association of Birth Centers [AABC], 2016). Birth centers provide a more comfortable, home-like environment for delivery while still offering patient care from trained professionals (Arbuckle, 2015), which are advantages for those that choose this location. These locations are typically associated with a hospital, although doctors are not usually on site during labor and delivery, a common disadvantage. Another disadvantage is that birthing centers prefer mothers who are considered to be low risk, full-term pregnancies, and have had “normal” deliveries previously (Arbuckle, 2015). Delivering your child in your home is another option available. This method of delivery gives you the most control over your delivery process. Many select this option based on their desire to deliver “naturally” without direct medical intervention, and in a familiar, comfortable setting, or for religious or cultural reasons (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Disadvantages of a home birth include the reduced access to professional assistance if necessary, and the possibility of unforeseen complications requiring immediate medical attention (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).

4 It is also important to have the support of others throughout the pregnancy. Families can be involved and provide support in the prenatal doctor visits, the delivery location selection, as well as after the delivery to ensure that the mother’s and child’s physical and emotional needs are met (Washington Hospital Healthcare System, 2021). It is highly recommended that you put together a support team and not go through the pregnancy alone. The decision to receive pain medication(s) or not during delivery is important also, and has its pros and cons. On the plus side, medications offer almost immediate labor-related pain relief, which can reduce the mother’s stress levels during the birthing process (Fink, Cohen, & Harris, 2020). Epidurals, the most common delivery pain-relieving method, are also widely considered to be safe. The downside to receiving an epidural include the inability of the mother to change positions during labor and the possible side-effects of the medication (Fink, et al, 2020). Meeting Three As a new parent, there are certain achievements and milestones for your child to reach in their development. How quickly and effectively they accomplish specific things is beneficial in evaluating the child’s development and providing any modifications if necessary. Honestly, the child actually develops skills rather quickly, especially in the first three years of life. Most children can focus and have their eyes follow moving objects in the first three months, as well as use their facial expressions to respond to different tastes (Cherry, 2019). By six months, most can recognize familiar faces and sounds; by one year old, children are physically and verbally responding through pointing, gesturing, and making noises (Cherry, 2019).

5 Children develop even more from one to two years of age. Most kids can tell the difference between “me and you” by two years of age, as well as point out familiar objects in pictures and books, etc. (Cherry, 2019). Children at this age can also typically respond accordingly to “simple” words and phrases, and begin to act out the actions of those around them (Cherry, 2019). By three years of age, most children can recognize themselves in mirrors and photos, sort similar items into groups, even more imitate the actions of those around them while playing/pretending (Cherry, 2019). Parents play a big role in the development of their child(ren). Making a conscious effort to involve the child in normal activities can be beneficial. Regular interaction through reading and talking to the child as well as playing with them appropriately also aids in their development (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Regular interaction with the child, coupled with transparent communication with family doctors and support professionals can identify any concerns early and allow for any assistance that may be recommended (CDC, 2021).

6 References American Association of Birth Centers, (2016). What is a birth center?. Retrieved from: https://www.birthcenters.org/page/bce_what_is_a_bc

Arbuckle, K., (2015, August 3). The pros and cons of a birth center. Retrieved from: https://www.care.com/c/stories/4970/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-birth-center/ Ben-Joseph, E., (2018, April). Birthing centers and hospital maternity services. Retrieved from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/birth-centers-hospitals.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2021, February 22). Parenting matters. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/features/parenting-matters.html Cherry, K., (2019, October 2). Cognitive developmental milestones. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellmind.com/cognitive-developmental-milestones-2795109 Cherry, K., (2021, June 14). Environmental influences on prenatal development. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellfamily.com/environmental-influences-on-prenatal-development2795112 Fink, J., Cohen, M., & Harris, N., (2020, August 18). The pros and cons of epidurals vs. natural births. Retrieved from: https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/stories/epiduralor-drug-free-birth/ Mayo Clinic, (n.d.). Home birth: Know the pros and cons. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/home-birth/art20046878

7 Ross, E., Graham, D., Money, K., & Stanwood G., (2015). Developmental consequences of fetal exposure to drugs: what we know and what we still must learn. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015;40(1):61-87. doi:10.1038/npp.2014.147 Washington Hospital Healthcare System, (2021). Family members. Retrieved from: https://www.whhs.com/Services/Specialized-Programs/Childbirth-FamilyServices/Birthing-Center/Pregnancy-Library/Family-Members.aspx...