Part one of term paper
Introductory Facts During the first trimester of the mother's pregnancy, when basic body structures are rapidly forming, the fetus is extremely vulnerable to environmental factors such as viral infections, radiation, drugs, and other tetratogens (an agent or influence that causes physical defects in a developing embryo), any of which can cau ...

Part two of term paper
... use of selected substances during pregnancy, 5.5% of the women surveyed reported using illicit drugs while they were pregnant. Additionally, 18.8% reported using alcohol, and 20.4%reported using tobacco. (3) Parents who abuse alcohol and illicit drugs face risks of losing custody of their children. Pregnant women who continue to use drugs against medical advice face increased risks of losing their babies once they are born. In some States, they also risk criminal prosecution. (3) ...