Foetal development

Learning outcomes:

• to understand embryo and foetal growth from conception to birth;

• to explore scientific and legal developments in relation to pregnancy;

• to identify negative parental behaviours that may shape the foetus in the womb;

• to examine the role of parental choice;

• to recognise social influences on conception and pregnancy.

Critical questions

» Scientific advances have greatly increased our understanding of foetal development and brought a level of maternal and paternal control over outcomes. Is there a danger we may take this too far?

» Why do we have babies?

Introduction

Many texts will begin child development at birth, when in fact it begins at conception. The word 'birth' conjures up a miraculous event that should be exciting for the mother, father and wider family (Becket and Taylor, 2010, Chapter 1). The significance of it cannot be underestimated, nor the risks for the mother and baby ignored, but this all begins long before. One can argue that in fact child development begins even earlier with the decision of two people, bringing with them their genetic coding and parental potential, to couple and reproduce. In most cases people will make choices about whom they have sex with and certainly plan to have children with. Fundamental drivers such as desire and attraction play their part, but as the relationship develops, cognitive skills also come into play in assessing the partner and potential partnership. This said, in some cases pregnancy is an 'accident' or people do not think through whom they are having children with, they do not look forward or think about consequences, but then why should they? They may be in love and most people believe in a happy ever after.

Brief relationships can lead to pregnancy, but generally when two people meet and plan a future together they will probably have found some common beliefs such as religion, social or sporting activities, enjoyable, compatible sex, friendship groups and so forth. There is likely to have been discussion about having children and how many or indeed agreement about not having any. If couples have significant differences they will probably not stay together. This pre-selection activity is good for the future child or children of the relationship, making good parenting and successful child rearing more likely. This is not to say, however, that relationships that begin well with a good foundation will not founder and see children suffer emotional or physical trauma, but the likelihood of a good outcome is increased. This suggests that having a successful parenting couple, rather than a single parent, is better for the child, something that is patently not true. The child needs good parenting and this is as likely to come from a single parent or gay couple as it is from the traditional husband and wife. It is interesting to note that some women are now deciding to do without a partner and buy sperm directly from the internet. The deb