Work

Maternal risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: not as simple as it might seem.

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Gathering information about drinking during pregnancy is one of the most difficult aspects of studying fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This information is critical to linking specific risk factors to any particular diagnosis within the FASD continuum. This article reviews highlights from the literature on maternal risk factors for FASD and illustrates that maternal risk is multidimensional, including factors related to quantity, frequency, and timing of alcohol exposure; maternal age; number of pregnancies; number of times the mother has given birth; the mother's body size; nutrition; socioeconomic status; metabolism; religion; spirituality; depression; other drug use; and social relationships. More research is needed to more clearly define what type of individual behavioral, physical, and genetic factors are most likely to lead to having children with FASD.

Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)

Authors: Philip A May, J Phillip Gossage

Institution: University of New Mexico

Language: English

Topic: Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Awards: FAS PREVENTION RESEARCH IN AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES, Trajectory of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Across the Lifespan: Continuing Prevention and Longitudinal Epidemiology, TRIAL OF FAS PREVENTION IN AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES, Trial of FAS Prevention and Diagnosis Among Indians