The Effect of Exposure to Alcohol During Prenatal Development

Exposure to alcohol during prenatal development is one of the main causes of preventable birth defects and psychiatric disorders (Bower, Szajer, Mattson, Riley, & Murphy, 2013; Nuñez, Roussotte, & Sowell, 2011; Sowell et al, 2008a). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a more severe form of PAE, occurs in 2 to 7 out of every 1,000 people in the United States (cited by May et al., Simmons, Thomas, Levy & Riley, 2010). The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) stands for individuals with different levels of PAE.

Prenatal exposure to certain substances, especially drugs and alcohol, may adversely affect the growth of the fetus. The most serious effects of prenatal medication or alcohol exposure include neonatal intoxication and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Fetal alcohol syndrome affects physical and mental development, destroys neurons in the brain, and often leads to cognitive dysfunction and to mean body weight. Exposure to drugs and alcohol also affects children and adult genes. Addiction is thought to have a genetic component that may or may not be caused by a genetic mutation caused by the use of drugs or alcohol.

Prenatal exposure to alcohol may harm the developing fetus and is the main preventable cause of birth defects and mental and neurodevelopmental disorders. In 1973, fetal alcohol syndrome was first described as a group of specific birth defects caused by intrauterine alcohol exposure. Subsequently, this study clearly showed that prenatal alcohol exposure could cause a wide range of adverse developmental effects. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a generic term that includes a series of side effects related to prenatal alcohol exposure. The diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol syndrome are specific and comprehensive efforts are being made to establish standards for diagnosing other FASD. Bigly growing studies have provided evidence-based FASD experts and public education, broader precautions, and recommended treatment based on the following assumptions:

FASD is a general term for the range of health effects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. People with FASD may develop organ damage including growth disorder, facial abnormality, and brain damage. The brain impact of prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a range of neurobiological defects that can lead to physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social issues throughout life. George F. Koob, director of NIAAA, says: "It is estimated that the prevalence of FASD in the United States is complicated due to the task of identifying prenatally exposed children.The results of this study suggest that FASD is an important public health problem and screening We need to tackle strategies to expand diagnosis, prevention and treatment. "