| Although genetics is important, another factor
plays an equally important role in foetal development. |
|
| The physical health of the mother will greatly
influence the development of the foetus. |
|
| Factors that influence the mother's health include
smoking, malnutrition, drugs and diseases. |
|
| Each of these factors can cause serious short
and long term deficiencies in the development of the foetus. |
|
| The factors are closely related, so it becomes
difficult for researchers to determine which factors and to what
extent each factor is responsible for the adverse effects on the
development of the foetus. |
|
| However a great deal of the research associated
with prenatal development does indicate that the main influences
on development of the foetus are from controllable causes such as
those factors which affect the mother's health. |
|
| This conclusion, although worrisome, is ultimately
positive as it suggests that foetal development problems can be
reduced if factors adversely affecting the health of the mother
are controlled or prevented. |
|
