Natural childbirth experts Grantly Dick-Read and Fernand Lamaze recognized that cultural attitudes about childbirth had __________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Natural childbirth experts Grantly Dick-Read and Fernand Lamaze recognized that cultural attitudes about childbirth had taught women to fear the birth experience. They believed that this fear contributed to increased pain during labor and advocated for methods to reduce fear and promote relaxation during childbirth. Choice B is incorrect as the focus is on fear, not on techniques to lessen pain. Choice C is incorrect as the experts did not advocate against medical intervention but rather against unnecessary fear. Choice D is incorrect as the experts aimed to change attitudes towards childbirth, not redirect focus to child rearing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Medical control over childbirth is largely responsible for the worldwide rise in cesarean deliveries. Cesarean deliveries are often performed due to various medical interventions such as monitoring the progress of labor, fetal distress, and other complications that may arise during childbirth. The increasing use of medical interventions and technology has contributed to the higher rate of cesarean deliveries globally. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly involve the decision-making and interventions typically carried out by medical professionals during childbirth, which are major factors leading to the rise in cesarean deliveries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up compared to children who experienced a full-length prenatal period. This suggests that being born slightly premature can have an impact on cognitive development, leading to educational challenges later on. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the study specifically highlighted lower reading and math scores, not a reduced likelihood of suffering from childhood obesity or neurological impairments, or improved language and social/emotional scores in early childhood.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the description of the twisting and fanning out of newborn Takeo's toes suggests the Babinski reflex, which is typically elicited by stroking the sole of the foot from toe to heel. The Babinski reflex is a normal response in newborns and indicates proper neurological development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not elicit the specific response described in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Quiet alertness is indeed the most fleeting state of arousal. This state is characterized by a newborn infant being awake, calm, and attentive, but it is short-lived and transitions quickly to other states of arousal. Regular sleep, REM sleep, and drowsiness are not considered as brief and transitional as quiet alertness in newborn infants.