| STAGES OF PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT |
| The Zygote |
| The Embryo |
| The Fetus |
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| THE EFFECT OF THE PRENATAL ENVIRONMENT ON DEVELOPMENT |
| Maternal Characteristics |
| Diseases and Disorders |
| Legal and Illegal Drugs |
| Environmental Toxins |
| Medical Interventions in Pregnancy and Childbirth |
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| BIRTH AND THE BEGINNINGS OF LIFE |
| Labor and Delivery |
| Prematurity and Low Birthweight |
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| VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN CHILDREN AT RISK |
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| SUMMARY |