Maternal and fetal characteristics affecting alcohol's teratogenicity.

Thousands of children are born each year with alcohol-related birth defects. However, despite comparable levels of prenatal alcohol exposure, some children are affected less severely than others, whereas others do not appear to be affected at all. Epidemiological investigations and experimental studies in animals suggest that maternal or fetal genetic factors, maternal age or parity, and pattern of drinking are important risk factors affecting alcohol's actions on the embryo/fetus. Identifying these and other risk factors may provide a means for cost-effective prevention efforts.