Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Language development delays in neonates are most likely linked to maternal use of alcohol due to the effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can interfere with normal brain development, leading to various cognitive, behavioral, and learning issues, which commonly include language delays. The severity of these effects can vary based on the timing, quantity, and frequency of alcohol exposure, but there is a well-established correlation between maternal alcohol use and impaired language skills in children.

While other substances like cocaine, nicotine, and marijuana can also have negative effects on fetal development and have been associated with a range of neurological and behavioral issues, the connection between maternal alcohol use and specific language development delays is particularly pronounced and supported by extensive research. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a more severe manifestation of FASD, frequently includes significant language impairments as part of the clinical presentation, reinforcing the risks associated with maternal alcohol use during pregnancy.