Understanding initial phase of human development

The prenatal stage of life, represents a unique opportunity for primary prevention of psychological, emotional and physical disorders in later life. Initial perinatal life may also be regarded as a crucial period in which to protect human development from experiences that may lead to adverse or detrimental human development in later life.

In 1972, the work of an Australian gynaecologist and obstetrician, entitled "The foetus as a personality", was a breakthrough in the sense that he presented the foetus as a human being that senses, reacts and acts in the special uterine environment. Prenatal impressions such as songs, stories or the mother's heartbeat on the one hand, and shouting, yelling, and crying, on the other can be remembered and recognized after birth. There is agreement in the field that depriving and traumatic experiences before, during, and after birth can significantly hamper and limit later development. The International Society of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Medicine (ISPPM) is devoted to the initial phase of human development (prenatal and perinatal life), in research and practice, in order to improve the quality of human life. ISPPM also collects and distributes results from research and practice on an international level in cooperation with other organizations, particularly the Association of Pre- and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH).