Vote for Your Health

Growth and development occur throughout the life span. The nurse’s knowledge of growth and development milestones provides a base for planning and implementing holistic, individualized nursing care. Human growth and development begin at the moment the ovum is fertilized by the sperm. The fertilized ovum contains the full complement of genetic information provided by each parent that determines gender and influences personality, intellect, and physical and psychological traits. The growth and development stages of the fetus are orderly and needs nutrient supplement and prenatal vitamins.

The preembryonic stage lasts for about 3 weeks. The zygote, which implants in the uterine wall, has three distinct cell layers. The endoderm becomes the respiratory system, the digestive system, the liver, and the pancreas. The mesoderm becomes the skeleton, connective tissue, cartilage, muscles, and the circulatory, lymphoid, reproductive, and urinary systems. The ectoderm becomes the brain. Spinal cord, nervous system, and outer body part the skin, hair, and nails.

The embryonic stage occurs from the fourth through the 8^th week. Rapid growth and differentiation of the cell layers take place. By the end of this stage, all basic organs have been established, the bones have begun to ossify, and some human features are recognizable. Because this is a period of such rapid growth and change, the fetus is especially vulnerable to any factor that might cause congenital anomalies such as maternal use of alcohol, nicotine, over the counter medications, or drugs.