Human Growth and Development

In a persons life span from conception till death a person goes through development changes and life events and while going through these there are constantly factors that affect them and their potential growth and development. I will now go on to explain and analyse these factors and life events.

Antenatal factors (before birth)
· ‘Nature’ or inherited factors – DNA, genes, chromosomes (Huntington’s disease, Hemophilia, Cystic Fibrosis or muscular dystrophy).
· Health of mother – Diseases during pregnancy e.g. Rubella, Sexually Transmitted Diseases e.g. AIDS.
· Lifestyle of parents (especially mother) – smoking, drug/alcohol abuse, diet, malnutrition.
· Environmental factors – Skin care (sun/excessive sunbathing), air pollution, radiation.
· Anemia (infant iron deficiency)

Peri-natal factors (during birth/seven months’ gestation to one month after birth)
· Delivery complication
· Prematurity
· Low birth weight
· ...