The Human Embryo and Its Environment: In Utero Challenges and Physiological Outcomes

The human embryo is totally dependent on the mother. Anything that affects the mother might have a direct impact on the growing embryo. While intoxication due to maternal drug abuse in industrialized countries is rare, chronic or intermittent hypoxia due to various causes remains one of the highest risks during pregnancy for the unborn child. This chapter will focus on the different mechanisms for intrauterine hypoxia and their impact on the fetal cardiovascular system.