Continuity of Neural Functions from Prenatal to Postnatal Life

Book excerpt: Is the human neonate indeed "physiological premature," as has been frequently stated? How does human neural development compare with that of other primate species? Is early human development a gradual unfolding of neural mechanisms from prenatal to postnatal life, or does it show rapid transformations at particular ages? The aim of this book is to answer these and similar questions about the functional repertoire of the human fetus, neonate, and young infant. Two main theoretical concepts are considered: first, the relationship between neural maturation and the duration of pregnancy and second, the existence of ontogenetic adaptations. Surveys and findings relevant to these concepts are provided by experts from various disciplines involved in research on fetal and preterm development and on the first three months of postnatal life. This book differs from many others summarizing descriptive knowledge of the field by emphasizing new theoretical concepts of early functional development. Recent ultrasound studies of the fetus have contributed greatly to this new approach, which has clear implications for the assessment and care of young infants. This thought-provoking book will be of interest to developmental neurologists, pediatricians and obstetricians, as well as to developmental psychologists and physical anthropologists.