Introduction
There are a large number of teratogens that can hurt pregnant women. A particular danger is the fact that they become a threat not only to the mother but also directly to the development of a fetus. One of the most widely known teratogens that can be included in this group is alcohol. This substance hurts physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects. Considering what side effects alcohol has on the fetus will provide a more complete understanding and awareness of its prevention.
Dangers of Alcohol
Alcohol is a teratogen that harms the body of any person. However, during pregnancy, only the nascent human body suffers more. Research indicated that “alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a common public health issue” (Lesinskienė et al., 2023, p. 2). Consequently, despite the current knowledge, many continue to neglect them. The leading consequence of taking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy is the deterioration or underdevelopment of the child’s cognitive, physical, and emotional functions.
The most common disease that affects newborn babies is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It is indicated that “the global rate of specific diagnoses is reported at 1 in 13 pregnant women who consumed alcohol while pregnant have a strong likelihood of having a child with the disorder” (Jansen et al., 2022, p. 1). This disease is characterized by disruption of the processes of body formation during fetal development and has distinct features. On the physical side, this aspect includes a thin upper lip, a smooth philtrum, and small eye openings. On the cognitive and emotional side, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder causes disorders such as hyperactive behavior and difficulties in regulating emotional state and attention in children.
It is also worth noting that even a modest intake of alcohol during pregnancy can result in adverse effects on the fetus. First of all, this can be expressed as the inhibition of organ development and formation. This can, in turn, lead to serious complications that can lead to disability. In addition, alcohol negatively affects the cognitive functions of newborns in the future (Jansen et al., 2022). This aspect manifests itself in areas such as decision-making, problem-solving, or critical thinking.
A child may also have difficulty developing many basic skills, such as speaking, due to prenatal alcohol exposure. On the emotional development side, the studied teratogen severely impairs emotion regulation, leading to impulsivity and hyperactivity. Moreover, it is worth emphasizing that, in this case, the child will show more negative emotions and behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, alcohol consumption is a serious problem with long-term effects on individuals and society. This is because it hurts the most valuable thing that people have, the future generation. As a study of academic literature has shown, alcohol is a teratogen that leads to adverse effects on the cognitive and emotional development of children.
Moreover, in addition to increasing the risk of miscarriage and premature birth, it can cause a disease such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Therefore, at the moment, there is a critical need to spread knowledge among society and implement updated policies to limit it. This aspect is especially important for expectant mothers, as taking care of their health and well-being will ensure the most fruitful development of the fetus.
References
Jansen, J. M., du Preez, M., & Cronje, J. (2022). Alcohol awareness, knowledge, and practices of the alcohol use of pregnant women in the Missionvale Area. African Journal of Sociological & Psychological Studies (AJOSAPS), 2(2).
Lesinskienė, S., Žilinskas, E., Utkus, A., Marčiukaitytė, R., Vasiliauskaitė, G., Stankevičiūtė, R., & Kinčinienė, O. (2023). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and inadequacy of care: importance of raising awareness in clinical practice. Children, 11(1), 5.