In the first days after conception, when the first division cycles of the fertilized ovum, applies to harmful influences largely the "All or Nothing" - Act. A significant damage leads to the death of the ovum.

In the first third of pregnancy, during the embryonic runs roughly from 15 until the 40th called Organogenesis ( "educational institution"), while those of the developing organism is highly sensitive. Here are complex developmental mechanisms that are in a very timed narrow space and formal framework to proceed. Disturbances may be - depending on the time of the incident - to very specific patterns of abnormality.

In the subsequent fetal period there in case of breakdown of the rule no longer malformations, but losses or malfunctions in body or substance - structures.

After the birth and up to the age of 4 weeks is referred to the children as newborns, up to the first year of life as babies, then to 6 Birthday as infants and then - blurred defined - as schoolchildren and later as teenagers.

After the birth, especially in the first year of life once again to a very marked increase in length and weight. During this time, however, are functional developments and learning that are much harder to grasp and quantify than the somatic (physical) development, the more important and also the sensitive operations. Above all it is the particular sensitivity of the child's body to see. For example, lead and mercury neurotoxic for babies than for adults.