Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a collection of birth defects resulting from heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The consequences for the child are life-long and can range in severity from minor to major.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Alcohol is a teratogen that can cross the placenta and affect a developing fetus, making it unsafe to consume in any amount during pregnancy. Its use during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disabilities in children in the United States and may also predispose offspring to develop a preference for alcohol.

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A teratogen is any environmental agent—whether biological, chemical, or physical—that can cause damage to a developing embryo or fetus. Exposure to teratogens is particularly harmful during critical or sensitive periods of prenatal development.

Teratogen

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Smoking during pregnancy is considered a teratogenic activity because nicotine can pass through the placenta to the fetus, which results in reduced blood oxygen levels for the developing baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several potential consequences of this exposure, including premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Prenatal Risks of Smoking

A wide range of drugs are considered teratogens, as they can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus. This category includes illicit substances like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as the majority of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Drugs as Teratogens

Radiation is a physical teratogen, meaning that exposure to it during pregnancy can interfere with normal fetal development and cause damage to the embryo or fetus.

Radiation as a Teratogen

Certain viruses are classified as biological teratogens. If a pregnant person is infected, these viruses can be transmitted to the fetus, potentially causing significant harm. Examples of such teratogenic viruses include HIV, herpes, and rubella.

Viruses as Teratogens

The critical, or sensitive, period is a specific timeframe during prenatal development when a particular organ or body part is forming. During these periods, the developing structures are most vulnerable to damage from teratogens.

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