Follow Us:
The Developing Child

Understanding Child Development From Pregnancy to Early Life

Child development begins before birth and continues through different important stages. Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal periods play a major role in a child’s growth, health and future development.

Stage 01

Pre-natal Development

Prenatal development refers to the period before birth. During about 40 weeks, a single cell develops into a human being capable of independent existence.

Period of Ovum Period of Embryo Period of Fetus
Stage 02

Perinatal Development

Perinatal development means the birthing process. When the baby becomes developed enough to exist independently, labor begins and progresses through stages.

Cervix Opens Baby is Born Placenta Expelled
Stage 03

Postnatal Development

The postnatal period starts immediately after birth and continues for about six weeks. It is a crucial time for both the mother and newborn baby.

Umbilical Cord Care APGAR Score Newborn Monitoring

Problems in Prenatal Development

Birth defects may affect the shape, size or function of body parts. Not all birth defects are visible at birth. Many may result from a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Environmental Factors

  • Nutritionally unbalanced diet
  • Disease or infection during pregnancy
  • Alcohol, tobacco or harmful substance consumption
  • Exposure to outside hazards such as radiation

Hereditary Factors

  • Errors in chromosomes
  • Genetic or inherited developmental risks

Prenatal Tests

If birth defect risk is suspected during pregnancy, special prenatal tests may help doctors identify conditions that require care before or immediately after birth.

Amniocentesis

Used to detect certain genetic or developmental concerns during pregnancy.

Ultrasound

Helps monitor baby growth, structure and development inside the womb.

Chorionic Villi Sampling

Helps identify selected chromosomal or genetic conditions.

Newborn Health Check

APGAR Scale

APGAR score checks a baby’s health after birth. It includes activity, pulse, reflex response, appearance and respiration.

A total score of 7 to 10 is considered normal.
APGAR Score 0 Score 1 Score 2
A Activity Absent Flexed arms & legs Active
P Pulse Absent Below 100 bpm Over 100 bpm
G Grimace Floppy Minimal response Prompt response
A Appearance Blue / pale Pink body, blue extremities Pink
R Respiration Absent Slow & irregular Vigorous cry
Less than 7 total score after 5 minutes requires special medical attention and follow-up with a child developmental specialist.

Anthropometric Evaluation

Basic newborn measurements help doctors understand early growth status.

Head Circumference 32 cm – 35 cm
Body Weight 2.5 kg – 4.0 kg
Height 48.2 cm – 50.8 cm

Red Flags in a Developing Child

Some birth or early-life conditions may need developmental screening and expert guidance.

Prematurity Twins or Triplets Cord Around Neck Breech Presentation IUGR Pathological Jaundice Birth Defects

Concerned About Your Child’s Development?

If you want to screen your child’s development, please contact us for professional guidance and early developmental assessment.

Contact Us for Screening