The Effects of Alcohol Exposure on Fetal Development

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the term used to describe the range of pervasive and long-lasting developmental, neurobehavioral, and physiological impairments induced by maternal alcohol (ethanol) consumption during pregnancy. Multiple factors interact to increase the risk of alcohol teratogenicity in the developing fetus, including the gestational timing, duration, and dose of alcohol exposure, amount consumed per drinking session, genetic and epigenetic factors, maternal and fetal stress, nutritional status, and alcohol metabolism capacity of the mother. Research findings from clinical and experimental animal models have characterized the range of fetal impairments produced by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), including defects in the developing brain, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, heart, kidneys, lungs, auditory and visual systems, metabolic organs, and immune system. Importantly, PAE induces behavioral and cognitive deficits, which often represent the most pervasive and persistent manifestations of alcohol teratogenicity in offspring. The long-term effects of PAE may impact an individual’s mental health, resulting in increased susceptibility to depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and social behavior deficits throughout adolescence and adulthood. Results to date also suggest that PAE can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, infection, inflammation, obesity, and diabetes in postnatal life. Currently, there is no identified safe level of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Therefore, it is advised that alcohol consumption should be avoided entirely throughout pregnancy to ensure optimal fetal development.