Conditions needed for the optimal development of the unborn child
The unborn child needs nourishment and a safe environment to develop. Regular visits to the antenatal clinic can help ensure that the health of both the expectant mother and the developing child are monitored. To address the nutritional needs of the unborn baby, the expectant mother requires an adequate diet. A safe environment means that expectant mothers should avoid contact with viruses such as Rubella and avoid unnecessary medication. In addition, there is evidence indicating that expectant mothers should not smoke tobacco. Babies born to heavy smokers are likely to suffer a higher risk of spontaneous abortion, still-birth and the possibility of low birth weight with its consequent negative effects. Additionally, this may mean that the baby is incubated at birth, thus being separated from the mother which could potentially impact on good bonding. There is evidence that children who don’t have an early attachment with a parent can go on to find it difficult to develop positive relationships with others. It is, of course, entirely possible for an incubated baby to build an attachment to the parent, given the right support.
The environment in which the mother lives and works also has an impact on the growing foetus. Physical impact, collisions, bumps or blows which may jar or dislodge the foetus need to be avoided. In addition, where the expectant mother lives may also have an adverse effect on the developing foetus. For example, highly polluted cities, the routine discharge of dangerous chemicals or nuclear leaks may have adverse effects on the unborn child.
The effect of parental mental health on the unborn child
There is growing evidence to suggest that the mother’s emotional condition has an effect on the unborn child. Research suggests that maternal stress can release hormones, such as cortisol, which pass through the placenta. Simultaneously, severe stress can increase the mother’s blood pressure and by implication decrease uterine blood flow. The overall result of stress can lead to reduced growth, premature birth and can negatively impact on the development of vital organs such as the lungs.
Mental health conditions affecting the unborn child relate to both genetics and the environment. Genetic transmission has been shown to be a factor in cases of schizophrenia, major affective disorders and anti-social personality disorders. The research suggests that those with parents who have these conditions are more likely than others to also have the conditions. For example, the chance of schizophrenia was 1 in 100 for the general population; this may rise to 6 in 100 if one of your parents has the condition; or 45 in 100 if both parents have the condition (Rethink Mental illness, 2020). In more commonly occurring types of mental illness such as depression, heredity appears to be a less important factor.
The effect of drugs including alcohol on the unborn child
The effect of drinking or non-prescribed drugs on the developing foetus is influenced by three interdependent factors: the pharmacological make-up of the drug; the gestation of pregnancy; and the route/amount/duration of drug use. The foetus is most susceptible to structural damage during 4-12 weeks of gestation; drugs taken later generally affect growth or cause neo-natal addiction.
Child development in a growing child
There follows some typical milestones of child development, but all children develop at their own rate, and these offer just a broad guidance. Each section highlights some of the potential issues relating to safeguarding for that age range. Finally, there is a section identifying some of the protective factors we could mitigate the risks. The lists are not comprehensive and are intended to highlight some examples for consideration.
Theories of child development provide patterns of how a child will develop as they grow. Each child will develop at her / his own pace; significant discrepancies, however, might indicate abuse.
If you are in doubt regarding a child’s developmental progress, have an early conversation with other professionals e.g., health visitor or school nurse.
