PT 861 - Introduction to paediatric physiotherapy and typical development
The significance of pre-natal experience
- This dynamic 'shaping' by experience is equally important to pre-natal development. In utero, fetal movements are shaped by the interaction between the fetus and the wall of the uterus, and facilitated by the buoyancy provided by the amniotic fluid.
- Fetal jumping is an example of a pre-natal motor skill that is facilitated by the interaction between the developing fetus and the in-utero environment. In the early pattern of fetal jumping, both upper and lower limbs extend simultaneously. As the fetus grows, constraints on space are imposed and the upper limbs are brought forward and extended in front of the body.
FETAL JUMPING
- Pre-natal movements are complex and relatively smooth in their performance.
Reflection
Then why do you think neonates' movements are 'jerky' in appearance?
