Neglect: Neglect can occur both prenatally and postnatally. Prenatal neglect can include a lack of proper healthcare, nutrition, or engaging in harmful behaviors that affect fetal development. Postnatal neglect, where a child's basic needs for emotional nurturing, physical care, and stimulation are not met, can severely impact all areas of development.

Heredity: Genetic factors and hereditary conditions play a significant role in development. Genetic disorders, inherited diseases, and familial predispositions to certain conditions can lead to developmental delays or atypical development. Genetic counseling and early genetic screening can help identify potential risks and conditions early in pregnancy or even before conception.

Poor Nutrients: Malnutrition during pregnancy can lead to fetal development delay. Essential nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for healthy fetal development. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to a range of developmental problems, including neural tube defects and impaired cognitive development.

Teratogens: Teratogens are substances or factors that can cause congenital abnormalities or lead to developmental disorders if the fetus is exposed to them during pregnancy. These include:

• Alcohol: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

• Drugs: Both prescription and recreational drugs can have harmful effects on fetal development.

• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals (like lead and mercury), pollutants, and certain chemicals can cause developmental delays and abnormalities.

• Infections: Certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, and Zika virus, can significantly impact fetal development.

Birth complications

Nutrition

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences

Environmental factors

Genetics