Assignment 1-Discussion – Pregnancy Advice

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Here is a video with information useful to this discussion.Links to an external site.

For this discussion start off by writing a few paragraphs as if you were writing a letter to a friend who you’ve just learned is pregnant. Using material from the course advise them about what to do for their fetus to make sure it is as healthy as it can be. Later in the week respond to the advice others in the class provided. Did you agree on a number of points? Were there suggestions you hadn’t considered? What would you consider to be the most valuable suggestion made?

Assignment 2–

Part I – Epigenetics

Having read the article and watched the videos from this section I’d like you to summarize what you understand to be the cornerstone of epigenetics with an example. For instance, although genetics plays a large role in determining both physical stature and intelligence, the full expression of these are also greatly influenced by nutrition beginning in the womb as well as during the first few years of life. Cite your own example based on the material presented. Then try to describe the mechanism by which changes take place. This is a difficult concept. So, I’ll be nice and not over critical. The idea is for you to demonstrate a basic understanding of what epigenetics is and how it works.

Part II – The Course of Prenatal Development

Along with the text and lecture readings there were also two videos depicting what takes place over the course of development in the womb as part of this section. Please elaborate on something you learned that you had not been aware of before. Cite examples from the material presented in your answer.

Part III – Prenatal Development and Teratogens

It is essential that a pregnant woman receives adequate medical care and avoids anything that could potentially harm the fetus. As discussed, teratogens can have devastating effects on prenatal development, particularly brain development. I’d like you to elaborate on what you gathered from the chapter, lecture readings and videos about the nature of various teratogens and their effects, then cite at least one specific example.

You’ll need to respond to all three prompts to receive full credit on this assignment.