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How does alcohol effect the fetus? During gestation if alcohol is consumed by the mother, it effects the central nervous system of the fetus. The alcohol causes necrosis or apoptosis (cellular death), which can then harm cell differentiation, production and migration. Because so many neurons are dying, it causes the brain mass to be much smaller than the average brain (Ikonomidou, C., Bittigau, P., Ishimaru, M., Wozniak, D., Koch, C., Genz, K., Olney, J.,2000). More specifically glial cells turn into astrocytes prematurely, blocking remaining neurons from migrating into their proper places. Neurotransmitters serotonin and glutamate are effected as well. Alcohol slows down serotonin development which then normal brain development cannot occur because serotonin cannot trigger the release of astrocytes. The number of glutamate NMDA receptors is decreased when alcohol is present (Welch-Carre, 2005).
There are several areas of the brain that are impaired by fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). In rare cases the corpus callosum never develops, however in most cases it usually is much smaller than the average person’s corpus callosum. Another area that is affected is the frontal lobe, which controls the executive functions. If the cerebellum is affected, then it damages motor functions. Damage to the basal ganglia could also occur which affects the individuals' spatial memory. The hypothalamus may be damaged as well, the affected person will have trouble sleeping, not knowing when they’ll be hungry or how to appropriately dress for the weather. The hippocampus and amygdala can be affected as well stunting emotional responses. Damage can occur at any time alcohol is consumed during the pregnancy, however the amount of damage to the fetal brain depends on what period of gestation it is in when alcohol enters the placenta.