Nonconceptus Mechanisms of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure That Disrupt Embryo-Fetal Development: An Integrative View Susan M. Smith

https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/volume/45/1/nonconceptus-mechanisms-prenatal-alcohol-exposure-disrupt-embryo-fetal-development?utm_source=arcr-email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=smith-2026-04&utm_content=arcr-listserv Prenatal alcohol exposure harms the developing embryo and fetus directly and indirectly, sometimes leading to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. While direct impact of prenatal alcohol exposure has been characterized in other reviews, this new ARCR review focuses on indirect mechanisms caused by biological effects of alcohol on the parents’ biology that ultimately contribute to developmental changes in the offspring. Discussed mechanisms include the influence of alcohol on the maternal microbiome, which also may promote inflammatory processes; on maternal and, consequently, fetal metabolism; and on the placenta. Additionally, alcohol-induced epigenetic alterations in the father may also influence embryo and fetal outcomes