Developmental Psychology - Case Study Example

The dangerousness of alcohol to the fetus is its toxicity. In fact, when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol even the unborn baby drinks it from her blood through the placenta and the umbilical cord. Among the effects of alcohol consumption in the last trimester of pregnancy are a stillbirth, premature birth and lifelong disorders are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The following are some of the characteristics of FASDs, some of which are quite apparent in young Sam.; low body weight, Poor coordination and memory, small head size, hyperactive behavior, learning disabilities and shorter-than-average height.

Others are abnormal facial features, Speech and language delays, difficulty paying attention and vision or hearing problems. Serious impairments to kidney and heart functions may also be observed in children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. In addition to maternal consumption of alcohol, the other environmental factors that affect fetal development are drugs, smoking and nicotine, teratogens, the mother’s physical condition, disease, diet and the Rhesus factor(Palenchar, 2005).

Teratogens are environmental agents that cause congenital abnormalities in developing fetuses(Palenchar, 2005). On the other hand, drugs could be over-the-counter, prescribed pharmaceuticals or illegal substances. These drugs result in a range of genetic abnormalities, accounting for almost 10% of birth defects, the severity of which depends on the extent of use and the amount used.. In addition to maternal consumption of alcohol, the other environmental factors that affect fetal development are drugs, smoking and nicotine, teratogens, the mother’s physical condition, disease, diet and the Rhesus factor (Palenchar, 2005).

Teratogens are environmental agents that cause congenital abnormalities in developing fetuses (Palenchar, 2005). On the other hand, drugs could be over-the-counter, prescribed pharmaceuticals or illegal substances. These drugs result in a range of genetic abnormalities, accounting for almost 10% of birth defects, the severity of which depends on the extent of use and the amount used. In cases of maternal use of drugs such as heroin, morphine, or methadone, babies have a high risk of suffering convulsions, difficulty breathing, tremors and intestinal disturbances (Palenchar, 2005).

Cigarette smoking has long since been associated with and confirmed to affect fetal development and newborn babies. Since the placenta does not completely filter small disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, measles, mumps, chicken pox, syphilis, malaria and venereal diseases may be transmitted from mother to unborn child (Palenchar, 2005). With regards to age, teenage mothers and those over thirty five years have a higher chance of birth defects, miscarriage and premature birth compared to mothers in the prime reproduction years (Berk, 2012).

The Rh-positive factor is the other environmental influence on fetal development that may be inherited genetically. If dominant in a mother’s blood, it may result in a dangerous situation for a fetus. The Use of Apgar score Apgar score is the earliest and quickest test that can ascertain the health status of a baby at birth. It is often performed between one and five minutes