Activity5_Maglajos

UNIVERSITY OF BOHOL
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
GC PSYCH 206 Activity 5

October 5, 2024
Assignment submitted to
DR. FRANCES MAE TRABAJO
As partial fulfillment of the requirements in
GF PSYCH 205 Developmental Psychology
1st Semester S.Y. 2024-2025
Reigelle Eva M. Maglajos

Master of Arts in Educational Management
The Impact of Environmental Influences on Prenatal Development
Prenatal development is an important period in human development. The fetus is at high

risk of environmental factors. These effects can have a significant impact on physical
development. cognition and children's emotions. Environmental factors such as maternal stress,
medication, nutritional deficiencies, infections, and exposure to environmental toxins. It is known
to affect prenatal development. Understand that these effects are counterproductive as they
affect development in both the short and long term. This review examines the available literature
on how these environmental factors affect prenatal development and long-term outcomes. Most
of them are preventive measures and corrective measures to reduce the impact.
Environmental effects on Prenatal Development
Research has consistently shown that several environmental factors can have a significant
impact on prenatal development:
Environmental pollution: The effects of exposure to environmental toxins such as lead, mercury,
and plant materials. Grandjean and Landrigan (2014) noted that these contaminants can
damage infant brain development in infants. Leads to intellectual disability developmental delay
and increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD
Infections: Infections in the mother, such as cytomegalovirus, and Zika virus, can have serious
consequences for the developing fetus. Miner and Diamond (2017) explain how the Zika virus is
associated with microcephaly, which It is a condition in which a baby is born with a much
smaller head and an underdeveloped brain. This is what leads to intellectual disability and
impaired motor function.
Maternal stress: Stress during pregnancy is one of the major environmental factors that can
adversely affect prenatal development. Studies have shown that high levels of maternal stress
are associated with premature birth. low birth weight and difficulties in regulating emotions in
children. King and colleagues (2023) found that prenatal stress affects infant brain development.
Leads to long-term behavioral and emotional problems.
Drug exposure: Drug exposure especially alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances. It can have
serious consequences for prenatal development. Jacobson (2019) explain that prenatal
exposure to alcohol is a major cause of prenatal alcohol syndrome (FAS), resulting in cognitive
delays, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and behavioral problems. Smoking is
similarly strongly associated with low birth weight and increases the risk of sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS).
Malnutrition: Malnutrition during pregnancy can hinder brain development and result in cognitive
decline in children. As Black et al. (2013) explain, nutritional deficiencies. Poor maternal health
also results in low birth weight. Some of which are related to developmental delays later in life.
Long-term Developmental Consequences
The long-term developmental consequences of prenatal exposure to these
environmental factors are profound. Research results indicate that children exposed to adverse
prenatal conditions are at higher risk for cognitive, emotional, and physical health problems.
Delayed Intellectual Development: Children who are exposed to harmful substances such as
alcohol or lead during prenatal development. They often show delayed cognitive symptoms.
According to Lan pear and colleagues (2005), lead exposure can result in lower IQ levels and
poor academic performance. This can continue throughout childhood and adulthood.
Behavioral and Emotional Problems: Maternal stress and exposure to harmful substances are
associated with difficulty regulating emotions and behavioral problems. Glover (2011) noted that
prenatal stress increases the risk of anxiety, aggression, and interference.
Physical health problems: Children born to mothers who are in poor health, infections, or
exposure to environmental toxins They are more likely to suffer from physical health problems,
such as a weakened immune system. childbirth injuries and emotional growth. Brent (2013)
emphasizes the link between exposure to light and birth defects that can affect a child's general
health.
Prevention and Intervention Measures
Despite the risks from these environmental factors but several preventive measures may
reduce the impact on prenatal development. Early intervention and appropriate maternal care
are essential in promoting a healthy pregnancy.
Maternity Care Program: A program designed to reduce stress during pregnancy, such as a
program that includes relaxation techniques and counseling. It can have a beneficial effect on
both mother and baby. Dunkel Schetter (2011) suggests that mindfulness and stress reduction
programs can reduce the risk of preterm birth and can improve the overall health of mothers and
fetuses
Growth Support: Even providing proper nutrition to pregnant women, including prenatal vitamins
and nutrients, such as folic acid, can protect against developmental delays associated with low
birth weight. Imdad and Bhutta (2012) emphasize the importance of a balanced protein and
energy supplement to support infant growth. In utero and brain development
Environment: Limiting exposure to environmental pollutants through regulations and safety
practices can contribute to and reduce the risk of development problems. Grandjean and
Landrigan (2014) recommend reducing the use of plant products. and limiting the exposure of
pregnant women to areas that pose a high risk to the health of the fetus.
Infection control: Vaccination programs and prenatal infection screening can prevent conditions
such as red dog or Zika from affecting prenatal development. Early detection of infection This
allows for timely intervention that can prevent serious complications (Miner & Diamond, 2017).
Preventing drug abuse: Public health campaigns aimed at combating alcohol, tobacco, and drug
use during pregnancy are essential. Counseling services and rehabilitation programs for
pregnant alcoholic women can prevent complications such as prenatal alcohol syndrome
(Moran et al., 2020).
This literature highlights the significant impact of environmental impacts on prenatal
development. Maternal stress, medication, inadequate nutrition, infection, environmental factors,
and obesity were the most notable factors. These effects may result in long-term developmental
effects, including delays in perception, behavioral problems and physical health problems.
Preventative measures such as maternity care programs, income support environmental
protection infection control and drug prevention can reduce these risks and guarantees a
healthy outcome for both mother and the baby.
References
 Black, R. E., Victora, C. G., Walker, S. P., Bhutta, Z. A., Christian, P., de Onis, M., ... &
Uauy, R. (2013). Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and
middle-income countries. The Lancet, 382(9890), 427-451.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60937-X
 Brent, R. L. (2013). Radiation teratology. Teratology, 17(2), 1-28.
https://doi.org/10.1002/tera.20137
 Catalano, P. M., & Shankar, K. (2017). Obesity and pregnancy: Mechanisms of short-
term and long-term adverse consequences for mother and child. BMJ, 356, j1-20.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j1
 Dunkel Schetter, C. (2011). Psychological science on pregnancy: Stress processes,
biopsychosocial models, and emerging research issues. Annual Review of Psychology,
62, 531-558. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.031809.130727
 Glover, V. (2011). Annual Research Review: Prenatal stress and the origins of
psychopathology: An evolutionary perspective. Journal of Child Psychology and
Psychiatry, 52(4), 356-367. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02371.x
 Grandjean, P., & Landrigan, P. J. (2014). Neurobehavioural effects of developmental
toxicity. The Lancet Neurology, 13(3), 330-338. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-
4422(13)70278-3
 Imdad, A., & Bhutta, Z. A. (2012). Maternal nutrition and birth outcomes: Effect of
balanced protein-energy supplementation. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology,
26(s1), 178-190. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3016.2012.01263.x
 Jacobson, J. L., & Jacobson, S. W. (2019). Prenatal alcohol syndrome and prenatal
alcohol spectrum disorders. Psychiatric Clinics, 42(2), 201-219.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2019.01.005
 King, S., Dancause, K. N., Turcotte-Tremblay, A. M., Veru, F., & Laplante, D. P. (2023).
Prenatal maternal stress and the disruption of the developing brain. Developmental
Psychobiology, 65(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.22463

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UNIVERSITY OF BOHOL

GC PSYCH 206 Activity 5

Reigelle Eva M. Maglajos

Prenatal development is an important period in human development. The fetus is at high

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