Biological Factors Flashcards
What are biological factors?
Factors that affect the development of a living organism.
How can a mother’s lifestyle during pregnancy affect the unborn child?
Poor lifestyle factors may include:
• Poor diet.
• Drug use.
• Alcohol use.
• Smoking.
What are some effects of poor lifestyle choices during pregnancy on the developing child?
• Low birth weight.
• Premature birth.
• Long-term health problems.
• Learning disabilities.
• Developmental delay.
• Congenital defects (defects in the developing foetus).
What are maternal infections, and how can they affect the unborn child?
Infections such as rubella or cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be passed to the baby in the womb and cause:
• Health problems.
• Congenital defects.
• Stillbirth.
• Miscarriage.
What is foetal alcohol syndrome?
syndrome caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb.
What are the symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome?
• Small head circumference.
• Neurological problems.
• Abnormal growth.
• Developmental delay.
• Facial abnormalities.
What are congenital anomalies?
Defects in the developing foetus, such as congenital heart disease or club foot. They may be detected before birth, during birth, or in later life.
What genetic factor can contribute to congenital anomalies?
Genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome.
What nutritional factor can contribute to congenital anomalies?
deficiency in folate, which increases the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
What environmental factors can contribute to congenital anomalies?
Exposure to pesticides, chemicals, radiation, or alcohol/tobacco, which can cause abnormal growth.
What infection-related factors can contribute to congenital anomalies?
Infections such as rubella, which can cause deafness and other health problems.
What infection-related factors can contribute to congenital anomalies?
Infections such as rubella, which can cause deafness and other health problems.
