A REVIEW ON EFFECTS OF MATERNAL

BEHAVIOUR ON FOETAL DEVELOPMENT

DURING PREGNANCY

Project work submitted by:

DHANSIL SHAROOK. U
ROLL NO:

Grade: XII-A

VISHWA SISHYA VIDYODAYA SCHOOL

Palladam road, Puliampatti
Pollachi-642 002
 Abstract:

Fetal development is a complex process influenced by a

myriad of environmental factors that can significantly impact both
the immediate and long-term health of the unborn child. This
project explores the intricate relationship between environmental
influences and fetal development, highlighting critical dos and
don’ts for expectant mothers to optimize prenatal health. Through
a comprehensive review of current research, the project examines
how factors such as maternal nutrition, exposure to pollutants,
stress, and lifestyle choices affect fetal growth and development.
The findings underscore the importance of a balanced diet,
avoidance of harmful substances, and stress management in
promoting healthy fetal outcomes.
Practical recommendations are provided to guide
expectant mothers in making informed decisions, aiming to
mitigate risks and enhance the well-being of both the mother and
the foetus. This project contributes to a deeper understanding of
how environmental factors shape fetal development and offers
actionable insights for improving prenatal care practices.
CONTENTS:

 Introduction

 Behaviors that complicate pregnancy:

1. Alcohol abuse

2. Use of illegal drugs

3. Cigarette smoking

4. Stress

5. Effects of fetal injury

Conclusion

Bibliography
 INTRODUCTION:

Nutrition is the major intrauterine environmental factor that

alters expression of the fetal genome and may have lifelong
consequences. Namely, alterations in fetal nutrition and endocrine
status may result in developmental adaptations that permanently
change the structure, physiology, and metabolism of the offspring.
Thereby predisposing individuals to metabolic, endocrine, and
cardiovascular disease in adult life. Animal studies show that both
maternal under nutrition and over nutrition reduce placental-fetal
blood flows and stunt fetal growth. Impaired placental synthesis of
nitric oxide (a major vasodilator and angiogenesis factor) and
polyamines (key regulators of DNA and protein synthesis) may
provide a unified explanation for intrauterine growth retardation in
response to the two extremes of nutritional problems with the
same pregnancy outcome. There is a growing evidence that
maternal nutritional status can alter the epigenetic state of the fetal
genome. Promoting optimal nutrition will not only ensure optimal
fetal development, but will also reduce the risk of chronic diseases
in adults.

Maternal nutrition plays a critical role in fetal growth and

development. Although considerable effort has been directed
towards defining nutrient requirements of animals over the past 30
years, suboptimal nutrition during gestation remains a significant
problem for many animal species Maternal under nutrition during
gestation reduces placental and fetal growth of both domestic
animals and humans. Available evidence suggests that fetal growth
is most vulnerable to maternal dietary deficiencies of nutrients
during the peril- implantation period and the period of rapid
placental development. Under nutrition in pregnant women may
result from low intake of dietary nutrients owing to either a limited
supply of food or severe nausea and vomiting known as
hyperemesis gravid arum.

Pregnant women may also be at increased risk of under nutrition

because of early or closely-spaced pregnancies. Since pregnant
teenage mothers are themselves growing, they compete with their
own foetuses for nutrients, whereas short interpregnancy intervals
result in maternal nutritional depletion at the outset of pregnancy.
Low birth weights and preterm deliveries in adolescent
pregnancies are more than twice as common as in adult
pregnancies, and neonatal mortality in adolescent pregnancies is
almost three times higher than for adult pregnancies. Further,
placental insufficiency results in reduced transfer of nutrients from
mother to foetus, thereby leading to foetal under nutrition and
IUGR Finally, due to competition for nutrients, multiple foetuses
resulting from assisted reproductive technologies are often at risk
of under nutrition and therefore foetal growth restriction. Thus,
various nutritional and pathological conditions can result in IUGR

Pregnant women are usually recommended to avoid soft cheeses,

smoked fish, precooked meats and foods made with unpasteurized
milk. These foods may contain a bacterium called Listeria. This
bacterium does not usually cause people much harm, but even a
mild infection in a pregnant woman may cause miscarriage
These studies have demonstrated that exposure to prenatal stress
not only affects physical development of the infants (birth weight,
head size, and structural malformations), but also their functional
development, evidenced by poor psychomotor performance and
more difficult behaviour during the first 10 years of life Babies
born too soon or too small are at increased risk for health
problems. Exposure of the developing foetus to stress hormones
and resulting alterations in neurobiological development are
responsible, in part, for these effects. Prenatal stress induces the
release of glucocorticoids in the mother which enter the foetal
circulation and gain access to the developing nervous system.

Behaviors that complicate pregnancy:

1. Alcohol Abuse:

Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause bath defects and

developmental disabilities collectively known as foetal alcohol
spectrum disorders (FASDs). It can also cause other pregnancy
problems, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and prematurity Growth
and central nervous system problems (e.g., low birthweight,
behavioural problems) can occur from alcohol use anytime during
pregnancy. The baby's trans is developing throughout pregnancy
and can be affected by exposure to alcohol at any time Alcohol
can affect your child's brain which continues to develop until their
early twenties. Alcohol can negatively impact on your child's
problem solving skills and performance at school as well as
potentially affecting their body, mood and mental health
 2. Use of illegal drugs:
The use of drugs during pregnancy can have significant and varied
effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. These effects
depend on the type of drug, the dosage, the timing of use, and the
overall health of the mother. Here's an overview of potential
effects:
 1. Prescription Medications
 Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics are generally considered safe, but
some can affect fetal development or cause allergic reactions. For
example, tetracycline can affect bone and tooth development.
 Antidepressants: Some antidepressants may increase the risk of
birth defects or developmental issues, but discontinuing them
without medical supervision can also pose risks.
 Anti-seizure Medications: Medications used for epilepsy can be
associated with a higher risk of birth defects and developmental
delays. However, uncontrolled seizures can also be harmful.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications
 Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
such as ibuprofen, are generally avoided during pregnancy,
particularly in the third trimester, due to potential risks like
premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.
 Cold Medications: Some cold medications contain ingredients
that are not recommended during pregnancy, such as certain
decongestants or antihistamines.
3. Recreational Drugs
 Alcohol: Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol
spectrum disorders (FASD), leading to physical, behavioural, and
intellectual disabilities.
 Nicotine: Smoking during pregnancy is linked to premature birth,
low birth weight, respiratory issues, and developmental delays.
 Cannabis: Marijuana use during pregnancy can affect fetal brain
development and lead to low birth weight and developmental
issues.
 Cocaine: Cocaine use can cause severe complications, including
placental abruption, preterm birth, low birth weight, and
developmental problems.
4. Illegal Drugs
 Heroin: Heroin use can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome
(NAS), where the baby experiences withdrawal symptoms after
birth. It also increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth
weight.
 Methamphetamines: Use of methamphetamines can result in
severe complications such as placental abruption, preterm birth,
and developmental delays.
5. Herbal and Dietary Supplements
 Certain Herbs: Some herbal supplements can be harmful during
pregnancy, potentially causing contractions, bleeding, or other
complications.
 Vitamins and Minerals: While many supplements are beneficial,
excessive intake of certain vitamins or minerals can be harmful.
For example, high doses of vitamin A can be teratogenic

3. Cigarette smoking

Smoking during pregnancy can have many negative effects on the

mother and baby:

Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies Overviews of

Diseases/Conditions Smoking doubles your risk of abnormal
bleeding during pregnancy and delivery this can put both you and
your baby in danger. Smoking raises your baby’s risk for birth
defects, including cleft lip, cleft palate, or both

First trimester maternal tobacco smoking habits and foetal growth

Conclusions Maternal smoking is associated with reduced foetal
measurements in
 The second and third trimesters but not in the first trimester.
Mothers who do not quit smoking during the first trimester deliver
smaller infants who go on to have adverse respiratory outcomes in
childhood.

Health effects may include weaker lungs, higher risk of asthma,

low hath weight, which is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes
and high blood pressure in adulthood

Dangers of Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy raises the risk of

your baby being born with birth defects. The most common types
of problems are congenital heart defects and problems

 Birth defects:
Smoking can increase the risk of birth defects, including cleft lip
and palate, and congenital heart defects

 Abnormal bleeding:
Smoking can double the risk of abnormal bleeding during
pregnancy and delivery

 Foetal growth:
Smoking can reduce foetal measurements in the second and third
trimesters.

 Low birth weight:

 Smoking can head to low bath weight, which can increase the risk
of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in
adulthood.

 Respiratory problems:
Children born to mothers who smoke during the first trimester
may have adverse respiratory outcomes

Other effects of smoking during pregnancy include:

 Weaker lungs
 Higher risk of asthma
 Preterm birth
 Smoking less is better than not trying to quit at all, but there is no
safe level of smoking during pregnancy. Stopping smoking before
16 weeks is best, but stopping after this sis still beneficial.

4. Stress
Stress during pregnancy can have a number of effects on fetal
development

 Growth and development: stress can impair fetal growth and

development. This can result in clinical intrauterine growth
restriction (IUGR).
 Preterm birth: stress can increase the chances of having a preterm
baby
 Low birth weight: stress can increase the chances of having a low-
birthweight baby.
 Infant behavior: infants whose mothers experienced high levels of
stress during pregnancy may show signs of more irritation and
irritability. They may also be slower to habituate or tune out
repeated stimuli
 High levels of stress that continue for a long time may cause
health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. During
pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a baby which
is preterm (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low birth
weight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds and 8 ounces).

5. Effects of fetal injury:

Fetal injury, whether due to trauma or other factors, can have

significant and varying effects on the developing foetus. These
effects depend on the type, severity, and timing of the injury, as
well as the overall health of the foetus and the circumstances of
the injury. Here’s an overview of potential effects:
1. Physical Effects
 Birth Defects: Physical trauma or injury to the foetus can result in
congenital anomalies, such as limb deformities or cranial
malformations.
 Internal Injuries: Trauma may lead to internal injuries affecting
organs like the liver, spleen, or intestines, potentially causing
complications such as haemorrhage or organ dysfunction.
 Brain Damage: Injury to the fetal brain can result in various
neurological impairments, including motor function disorders,
cognitive deficits, or developmental delays.
 2. Developmental Effects
 Neurological Impairments: Damage to the fetal brain can lead to
a range of neurological issues, such as cerebral palsy, seizures, or
learning disabilities.
 Motor and Sensory Delays: Fetal injury can impact motor skills
and sensory development, leading to delayed milestones or
difficulties in coordination and balance.
3. Growth Effects
 Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): Injury or trauma may
impair the foetus’s ability to grow properly, resulting in low birth
weight and associated health risks.
 Premature Birth: Severe injury can trigger premature labour,
leading to the birth of a baby before the full term, which can result
in a range of complications associated with preterm birth.
4. Functional Effects
 Hearing and Vision Problems: Trauma to specific areas of the
foetus can affect sensory organs, potentially leading to hearing
loss or visual impairments.
 Respiratory Issues: Injury can impact the development of the
respiratory system, causing issues such as breathing difficulties or
chronic respiratory conditions.
5. Emotional and Behavioural Effects
 Cognitive and Emotional Challenges: Long-term effects of fetal
injury can include difficulties with emotional regulation,
behavioural issues, or social interactions due to underlying
neurological impairments.
6. Maternal Health
 Increased Risk of Complications: Maternal trauma or injury can
also affect the mother, leading to complications such as placental
abruption or preterm labour, which further impacts fetal health.
 7. Long-Term Outcomes
 Chronic Health Conditions: Some fetal injuries may result in
lifelong health conditions that require ongoing medical care and
support.
 Quality of Life: The impact of fetal injury on a child's quality of
life can vary widely, depending on the severity of the injury and
the effectiveness of early interventions and therapies.
8. Diagnosis and Management
 Early Detection: Monitoring through prenatal imaging and
diagnostic tests can help identify injuries or complications early,
allowing for timely intervention.
 Interventions: Depending on the nature and extent of the injury,
medical management might include surgery, physical therapy, or
other supportive measures to address and mitigate the effects of
the injury.
 Conclusion:

Factors such as poor nutrition, stress and infection during

pregnancy have all been associated with adverse effects on fetal
neurodevelopment. One important consideration is that the long
term risk associated with exposure to an adverse intra-uterine
environment are not evenly distributed across society.

Maternal behavior can have several effects on fetal development

including:
 Increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
 Increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight.
 Increased risk of respiratory problems
 Adverse effects on fetal neurodevelopment.
 Increased risk of birth defects or chronic health problems.

Factors that can affect fetal development include:

Poor nutrition, Stress, Infection, Genetic factors, Environmental

factors, Uteroplacental factors, fetal factors.

Other factors that can affect fetal development include:

 Maternal illness, such as diabetes, cytomegalovirus,

toxoplasmosis, and strepB
 Social stress during early pregnancy
Bibliography:

 NCERT
 WIKIPEDIA
 www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov
 www.sciencedirect.com
 https://emedicine.medscape.com