Methylmercury is a neurotoxin that impairs neural development, especially in the foetus and infants.
A large study from Bristol University, published in a leading medical journal, suggests that levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which are raised in depression, may affect the development of the foetus in the womb.
Women recognised the advantages of these facilities as they provide investigations, for example, using ultrasound to see the development of the foetus in the womb, or treat diseases in pregnant women, such as malaria or HIV infection.
These primitive reflexes aid the normal development of the foetus in the womb, but Goddard Blythe argues that retention of the reflexes beyond infancy will hinder the child's brain development.
PDGF-C binds to both PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β and has limited role in the development of the foetus [ 43].
Many studies report relationships between maternal smoking during pregnancy and behavioural problems or impaired cognitive function in the offspring, and plausible biological mechanisms exist via which nicotine could affect the development of the foetus in utero.
Not only must the host be protected from pathogens, but this site must also be permissible to sperm and natural flora and specific mechanisms must be in place to allow development of the foetus.
Bovine placental lactogen, also known as bovine chorionic somatomammotropin, is believed to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the foetus by coordinating the maternal metabolism and nutrient supply from the cow to the foetus [ 29].
Pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules appear to be increased in maternal circulation during preeclampsia [ 13], and could potentially initiate the development of immunological conditions in the foetus, such as atopic sensitization or diseases [ 6].
This higher demand of energy and nutrients is necessary to support the growth and development of the foetus and child and associated changes in maternal metabolism [ 1].
