Essay On Prenatal Infection

Chapter 3- Meiosis and Development
Prenatal Infection as a Risk Factor for Schizophrenia

Focusing on the development of a fetus, there is a lot to acknowledge. The reproduction system is detailed and pregnancy can be compromised easily. As a female who may eventually want to reproduce, the topic of pregnancy is generally interesting. There is a vast amount of information based on pregnancy and fetal development, however I would like to focus on birth defects. Birth defects can arise from several factors such as genetics, teratogens, and prenatal infections.
The internal female anatomy that allows for reproduction is extremely particular. Starting in the ovary, otherwise known as the female gamete, eggs or oocytes are produced. These eggs, once fertilized can complete the process of meiosis, where daughter cells are formed. These daughter cells supply the embryo with its chromosomes in order to fully develop. Problems can also arise once sperm fertilizes an egg. Birth defects that follow patterns throughout a family line would be considered genetic or inherited. Teratogens are classified as any substance that may cause negative effects upon a developing fetus or embryo. For instance, substances such as alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy have been widely known to cause birth defects and can even lead to miscarriages. My focus is a study by Alan S. Brown, which proposes that alongside teratogens and genetic makeup, certain prenatal infections are leading to a birth defect that does not appear right at birth, but emerges as an adult: schizophrenia.
Prenatal Infection as a Risk Factor for Schizophrenia focuses on the infections that are thought to cause Schizophrenia specifically. “Prenatal infections that have been associated...

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...rait” on to offspring, along with the possibility of environmental factors. There are many ways a fetus or embryo can be affected, and the more known causes for problems, the more problems doctors and scientists can prevent.
Prenatal Infection as a Risk Factor for Schizophrenia creates a roll model for future studies. The idea of only researching schizophrenia was not my intention, however it gives an example that fetuses are exposed to everything while still in the female uterus. The mother is able to pass on more than just her own chromosomes, all that she does and is exposed to while pregnant will affect the child. While the development of a fetus is complicated and it can be compromised easily, I, along with any other future mothers find this to be a topic of interest. Any measure that can be taken to prevent struggles in a child’s life is worth researching.