Observing the fetus’ behavior to assess health: The behavior of the human fetus in response to maternal alcohol consumption

Abstract

This chapter reviews studies that have examined the behavior of the human fetus in response to maternal consumption of alcohol. While focussing on how alcohol influences the behavior of the fetus this is used to illustrate how studies of prenatal behavior can contribute to the assessment of the health and well-being of the fetus. I first review the link between the behavior of the fetus and the functioning of its brain and briefly consider the effect of environmental agents upon the behavior of the fetus. The effects of alcohol on the individual after birth are considered and then studies which have assessed the behavior of the fetus in response to acute and chronic alcohol consumption are reviewed. The insights these observations provide into the mechanism of alcohol induced effects are discussed and how these can be used to inform pregnant women considered.