Alcohol is an example of a psychoactive drug listed as a teratogen component among expectant women. A teratogen is a substance that, when consumed during pregnancy, causes physical disabilities and or hinders the behavioral and cognitive development of children (Santrock, 2011, p. 86).
The U.S. Surgeon General recommends zero intakes of alcohol among expectant mothers. Drinking of wine among pregnant women causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Characteristics of FASD include physical deformities on the baby's face, and limbs. Some babies may also develop heart complications as a symptom of FASD (Klingenberg et al., as cited in Santrock, 2011, p. 88). Additionally, children with FASD have shown to have lower levels of intelligence than healthy children. Heavy drinking in expectant women may also lead to impaired development of memory and possible mental retardation. (Dalen et al., as cited in Santrock, 2011, p. 88). Alcohol's adverse effects on cognitive development have been proven by several studies, including one such study reported by Lebel. He indicates that impaired mathematical abilities have been linked to children born with FASD (Lebel et al., as cited in Santrock, 2011, p. 88).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Factors that determine the extent to which alcohol and other teratogens affect unborn babies are dosage, genetic susceptibility, and time of exposure. Under dosage, the severity of deformities is proportional to the quantities of alcohol consumed. As indicated, zero intakes of alcohol are recommended for expectant mothers. However, drinking one glass a week may have fewer effects on the embryo or fetus than drinking a glass daily. Two glasses of wine every night amounts to intake of a high dosage of a teratogen, which may cause severe deformities and developmental hindrance. Genetic susceptibility is a factor linked to the genotype of the mother and embryo. Genotypes dictate how individuals metabolize teratogens. The differences in metabolism lead to differences in severity in which alcohol affects the embryo. Genetic susceptibility also explains the phenomenon where some heavy drinkers may have children born without FASD (Lidral and Murray, as cited in Santrock, 2011, p. 86). 2005). Lastly, the time of exposure determines the severity of damage due to different levels of the embryo and fetal development. The third to eighth week of an embryonic period is the most susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol. It's the period where the embryo develops the central nervous system, the heart, and the eyes. Four months of pregnancy lie in the fetal period, which is less sensitive but potentially susceptible to teratogens. Drinking alcohol should, therefore, not be risked (Santrock, 2011, p. 86).
Claudia's age is a vital factor to address in the management of her pregnancy period. At 43 years, Claudia is at an advanced maternal age (AMA). The AMA is associated with an aging reproductive system and an aging body that is prone to an array of complications and poor pregnancy outcomes (Lampinen, Vehviläinen-Julkunen, & Kankkunen, 2009, p. 2). The increased risk of pregnancy for AMA females is linked to their susceptibility to gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and placenta praevia. They may also experience pregnancy-induced hypertension and are at higher risk of having miscarriages. Other conditions that may relate to her age include perinatal and neonatal death and intrauterine fetal death. Additionally, drinking alcohol may elevate some of the AMA risks, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension (Lampinen, Vehviläinen-Julkunen, & Kankkunen, 2009, p. 10).
References
Lampinen, R., Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K., & Kankkunen, P. (2009). A review of pregnancy in women over 35 years of age. The Open Nursing Journal , 3 , 33-38. doi:10.2174/1874434600903010033
Santrock, J. W. (2011). Life-span development (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
