GCSE Child Development CCEA

This subject is broken down into 26 topics in 2 modules:

  1. Motherhood, Pregnancy and the Newborn Baby 17 topics
  2. Child's Health, Care and Development 9 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 2
    modules
  • 26
    topics
  • 9,316
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of GCSE Child Development CCEA in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

Child Development

Motherhood, Pregnancy and the Newborn Baby

Deciding to Have Children: Considerations and Factors

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Deciding to Have Children: Considerations and Factors

Deciding to Have Children: Considerations and Factors

Physical Readiness

  • Physical maturation that includes the reproductive system being mature and functioning.
  • Good overall health is essential as it can affect the development of the baby and the health of the mother during pregnancy.
  • Physical stamina is required as pregnancy and raising a child can be emotionally and physically challenging.

Emotional Readiness

  • Resilience to withstand stress, as parenthood can be demanding and stressful.
  • Emotional maturity is important in being able to provide for a child's needs, understanding them, and managing your own response.
  • Mental health stability, because poor mental health may impact a parent's ability to care for their child effectively.

Financial Considerability

  • Sufficient income is necessary for prenatal care, delivery costs, baby resources, and ongoing child-rearing expenses including food, clothing, and housing.
  • Stability of employment can determine whether parents are able provide the necessary resources for a child.
  • Provisions for future costs such as education and healthcare for the child are also substantial financial considerations.

Social Factors

  • The impact on relationships and social life, as having a child needs a shift in focus which might affect existing relationships.
  • Access to social support networks like family, friends, or community groups which can offer practical and emotional support.
  • The social stigmas and pressures related to fertility, the roles of parenthood, and familial expectations.

Environmental Readiness

  • Safe and secure housing that affords enough space for a growing family.
  • Living in a safe neighbourhood and having access to good schools, playgrounds, hospitals and other amenities.
  • Factor in issues such as pollution or exposure to harmful substances that can impact the health of the child.

Career and Educational Goals

  • Ability to balance parenthood with career or educational pursuits. Some may need to postpone or adjust these goals.
  • The availability of maternity/paternity leave, flexible working hours, and the possibility of career progression after taking a leave to become a parent.
  • Consideration for childcare during work hours or schooling, and the cost and reliability of these services.

Remember, the decision to have children is often influenced by a combination of these factors, rather than just one. It's a personal decision that might differ for everyone.

Course material for Child Development, module Motherhood, Pregnancy and the Newborn Baby, topic Deciding to Have Children: Considerations and Factors

Child Development

Motherhood, Pregnancy and the Newborn Baby

Labour: Stages and Delivery Methods

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Labour: Stages and Delivery Methods

Labour: Stages and Delivery Methods

Stages of Labour

  • First stage (Early labour and active labour): Its onset is marked by the commencement of contractions and ends with full dilation of the cervix.

    • Early labour: The cervix dilates up to 4 centimeters. Contractions might be relatively mild and irregular.
    • Active labour: Typically, the cervix dilates from 4 to 10 centimeters. Contractions become more frequent, regular, and stronger.
  • Second stage (Birth of the baby): This stage starts from full dilation of the cervix to the birth of the baby. This is when the pushing occurs, to help the baby move down the birth canal and through the vagina. This stage ends with the delivery of the baby.

  • Third stage (Delivery of the placenta): This stage includes the period following the birth of the baby until the placenta and membranes are expelled. The health care provider will encourage more mild contractions through uterine massage or an injection.

Delivery Methods

  • Vaginal birth: This is the most common method of delivery. This is when the baby is born through the vaginal route. Most vaginal births are assisted by a form of pain relief like an epidural.

  • Assisted vaginal delivery: This is when medical instruments like forceps or a vacuum disc (ventouse) are used to help extract the baby from the birth canal. It usually occurs when the baby is in distress or the mother is unable to push the baby out.

  • Caesarean section (C-section): This is a surgical procedure to deliver the baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is usually performed when a vaginal delivery could pose a risk to the mother or baby due to health complications.

  • Home birth: Some women choose to give birth in the comfort of their own home, usually under the supervision of a midwife. The option is safe for low-risk pregnancies.

  • Water birth: Some hospitals and birthing centres offer pools for labouring and giving birth in water. It’s said to help provide a relaxing environment and can help with pain management.

Remember, the choice of birth method often depends on the physical health of the mother and baby, personal preferences, available healthcare facilities and medical advice based on risk factors.

Course material for Child Development, module Motherhood, Pregnancy and the Newborn Baby, topic Labour: Stages and Delivery Methods

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.