The Effects Of Prenatal Hormones On The Developing Fetus

Why some people are attracted to members of their own sex whereas others are attracted to members of the opposite sex is no known cause or reason. There is belief to it possible contributing from genetics, hormonal and the environmental influences. One study stated that there is a 50 percent chance that if one identical twin is homosexual or bisexual, the other twin is too. Similar findings lead that some researchers estimate that sexual orientation is 30 to 70 percent genetic (Mustanski, Chivers, Bailey, 2002). Another research suggests that sexual orientation is impacted by a gene or genes found on the X chromosome. Though genetic tendencies for homosexuality may be passed from mothers to their children (Rahman Wilson, 2003). During human evolution, homosexuality was developed to minimize competition between males for a limited number of potential female mates (Schulling, 2004). A different possibility is that prenatal hormone levels influence the developing fetus (Levay, 2011). According to the prenatal hormonal theory of homosexuality, some male fetuses are exposed to too little testosterone. Similarly, some female fetuses are exposed to too much testosterone. These differences, in turn, can impact sexual orientation (Mustanski, Chivers, Bailey, 2002). Regardless, homosexuality is not caused by hormone imbalances in adulthood; the hormone levels of most gay men and lesbians are within the normal range (Banks Gartrell, 1995). Hormonal imbalancesShow MoreRelatedPreventing Harmful Agents From Hurting The Child866 Words   |  4 Pagespregnancy, the fetus already has a working nervous system, an immature muscular system, and a developing brain. The first trimester is also when many spontaneous abortions occur. Miscarriages are normally caused by hormonal problems (such as high levels of cortisol), lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking, and severe malnutrition. Cortisol is one a hormone that the body produces while under stress. Maternal stress pla ys a large part in the healthy development of the fetus. Controlling andRead MoreDepression : The Common Cold Of Psychopathology1693 Words   |  7 Pagesharmful disease. But what happens when it is affecting two lives at once? Prenatal depression is the same as clinical depression accept it is manifesting in a pregnant women. Prenatal depression can have negative long-term consequences for the mother and also the infant. These consequences can be that of clinical depression, postpartum depression for the mother, and developmental delays for the child. In order to examine prenatal depression, one must first examine depression on its own. According toRead MoreEffects of Prenatal Maternal Stress on Development2065 Words   |  9 PagesAlthough there are many factors that affect the development of the fetus, research on the specific effects of prenatal maternal stress and the resulting negative outcomes for the development of the fetus will be reviewed. While there is knowledge of these harmful effects in scientific and medical communities, researchers are still in the midst of discovering the results of these negative effects on human development. An overall review of the literature suggests that this topic is still relativelyRead MoreEssay On Phthalates1064 Words   |  5 Pageshand to mouth behaviour and floor play as well as their developing nervous and reproductive system, and pregnant women as phthalates are capable penetrate the placenta and cause harm, are vulnerable to phthalates exposure. There are however, personal life style choices we make as individual, and regulations to enact on the part of the government to avoid if possible or reduce phthalate exposure and the resulting adverse health effects. Effect on pregnancy As a result of phthalates’ extensive use aroundRead MoreThe Effects Of Birth Defects On The Development Of The Fetus899 Words   |  4 PagesPrenatal development is the process in which a human embryo or fetus gestates during pregnancy, from fertilization until birth (Prenatal Development). Most cases of unhealthy development can be avoided, however there are some genetic and environmental factors that cannot. Some genetic factors that affect the development of the fetus are Phenylketonuria, Sickle-cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs Disease, and Down Syndrome (Feldman 402). Some environmental teratogens that affect the development of the fetus areRead MoreMaternal Stress And Depression And Stress2020 Words   |  9 PagesDuring pregnancy, there are some factors beyond the mother’s control which can have negative significances for the fetus. Maternal stress occurs when the mother is exposed to psychosocial stressors during pregnancy (Kramer et al, 2009). The mother could also deve lop depression during or after her pregnancy. This mental illness affects the mother’s ability to function and cope with everyday life (NIHCM, 2010), thus affecting her relationship with her baby. Recent research evidence has highlightedRead MoreThe Dangers of Using Teratogens 1019 Words   |  5 Pagesemotional disorders, capable of interfering with the development of an embryo and fetus. The effects of teratogens vary depending on the type, for example Stress which is the brains response to stressors (certain life events), that one perceives as challenging or threatening. During the Stress response, hormones such as cortisol are released and it is these hormones that can at the chronic level have toxic effects. When a pregnant women is experiencing very high levels of stress for a prolongedRead MoreRelationship Between Mother And The Womb946 Words   |  4 Pagesthe fetus, but the life of the baby after it has been born. It is true that not everything can be passed from the mother through the placenta to the baby. Pure psychological functioning cannot affect the baby. It is only when these psychological emotions turn into physiological effects can it be translated to the womb. Since there is â€Å"no direct neural pathway between mother and fetus, scientists have looked at more indirect pathways†. One of these pathways is the transfer of stress hormones throughRead MoreMaternal Stress And The Birth Of A Healthy New Born Baby849 Words   |  4 Pagesemotional state of the pregnant mother may affect her unborn child. Today, both animal and human studies support the notion that maternal stress and anxiety during pregnancy can have both immediate and long-term effects on her offspring (The Effects of Maternal Stress, n.d.). Prenatal maternal stress originates due to unforeseen circumstances that cannot be controlled or resolved within a rapid timeframe, therefore, causing the individual to becom e subjected to strenous trial and tribulations.Read MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Infectious Diseases887 Words   |  4 Pages and health human being. There are however times when things do not go well, and the developing baby is harmed, and damaged, with lifelong abnormalities. Disease, and chemical substances can cause harm the developing child, these are called teratogens, Fiore (2011) defines teratogens as â€Å"any environmental agent that causes harm to the embryo, or fetus† (p. 69). Infectious diseases can harm the embryo, and fetus during pregnancy, but there are times during development when they are more susceptible