Pregnancy ethanol consumption

An example of a chemical that Impacts the reproductive ability of both sexes Is ethanol, found in alcoholic beverages. In males all stages of sperm development within the testis are affected in females ethanol appears to act by interfering with the synthesis of estrogen by the ovaries. In addition, we know that ethanol consumption during pregnancy can lead to deformities and fetal alcohol syndrome. 

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of birth defects caused by maternal consumption of ethanol during pregnancy. It is recognized by growth deficiency, a characteristic set of craniofacial features and neurodevelopmental abnormalities leading to cognitive and behavioral deficits [85]. FAS is considered to be the most common non-hereditary cause of mental retardation. 

Prenatal exposure to ethanol is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in the United States, if not the world. The consumption of beer, wine, or spirits during pregnancy can have a... 

The factors are diverse, ranging from caffeine consumption during pregnancy to maternal age at conception. The environmental agents with potential adverse impacts on fetal development for which there is the strongest evidence are all culture-dependent tobacco smoke, alcohol (ethanol), cocaine, and combustion-engine carbon monoxide.4 In this book I focus only on factors for which there is evidence known to me. What the factors all have in common is that all have heavy cultural... 

Fetal alcohol syndrome Ethanol use in pregnancy is associated with teratogenic effects that include mental retardation (most common), growth deficiencies, microcephaly, and a characteristic underdevelopment of the mid face region. Facial abnormalities are particularly associated with heavy consumption of alcohol in the first trimester of pregnancy. 

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