Causes & Risk Factors Of Tetralogy Of Fallot
Maternal Alcoholism

Maternal alcoholism is a major factor in the development of Tetralogy of Fallot. Alcoholism is a dependency on alcohol that is uncontrollable and creates a constant craving for this substance. When the fetus is developing, introducing alcohol into the body causes serious heart defects. Alcohol is passed directly to the baby through the umbilical cord and prevents the fetuses internal organs forming.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to the infant's premature death, brain damage, low birth weight, and stillbirth. It is also the reason for fetal alcohol syndrome and disorders that include abnormal facial features, hyperactivity, poor memory, and vision problems. The effects of maternal alcoholism may increase the chance of intellectual disabilities, low reasoning, and hearing issues. Alcohol can affect a child’s entire lifetime and bring on problems in school and judgment abilities.