Write a post that reflects on any facts that you found interesting, exciting, surprised, confusing, etc. that relate to the chapter, the class discussion, or videos on Prenatal Development. Don’t forget to comment on one of your classmate’s post. Prenatal Development: Epigenetics

Prenatal Development: Epigenetics

The role epigenetics plays in prenatal development is something I found especially interesting. The term epigenetics is a change in gene expression not due to changes to DNA sequence, but chemical modifications to DNA molecules or proteins that interact with it (Kauffman 2018). These changes can be affected by the environment (e.g., mother’s diet, stress levels and exposure to toxic substances) and may have long-lasting consequences for the developing baby. Research has demonstrated that stress in pregnancy may affect the developing foetus’s ability to cope with stress and lead to mental disorders later on (Weaver, et. al. 2020). The same goes for children born with developmental delays and birth defects due to maternal exposure to certain toxins (Ritz, et.al., 2018). This fascinating reminder is both sobering and a stark reminder to the importance of caring for yourself and your children during pregnancy. A friend mentioned the important role the placenta plays in the development of fetal brain. It is an important organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus. The barrier also protects it from infections and toxins (Sadler 2018). Cont…