Drawing from the textbook and additional readings, describe some of the major environmental influences that can harm the fetus. What recommendations would you give to people contemplating pregnancy shortly?

Environmental Factors Affecting Prenatal Health

1.Berk, L. E. (2018). Development through the lifespan (7th edition). Boston, MA. Pearson. ISBN-13 9780134419725

2. Mancuso, R. A., Schetter, C. D., Rini, C.M., Roesch, S.C., & Hobel, C. J. (2004). Maternal prenatal anxiety and corticotropin-releasing hormone associated with the timing of delivery. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66(5), 762-769. Mancuso article here

• List of Topics and Sub-Modules for Reading
• Environmental Factors Affecting Prenatal Health

Context
While no one can guarantee that a healthy pregnancy will result in a healthy child, there are steps we can take that will increase our odds of success. For mothers-to-be, avoiding high stress and certain substances while pregnant is undeniably important. However, recent research has shown that some of the responsibility needs to be placed on the fathers–to–be as well, particularly in the preconception stage. In this learning activity, you will become familiar with many prenatal environmental influences and their effects on development.

Description
Compose a one– to two–page essay that addresses the following items:

Drawing from the textbook and additional readings, describe some of the major environmental influences that can harm the fetus.
What recommendations would you give to people contemplating pregnancy shortly?