Studies conducted using animals have been instrumental in describing the brain impairment and physiological processes that cause prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Research has shown that similar brain and physiological features are likely to be affected in those displaying
increase criminality and behavioral disorders. Some features affected include inattention, impulsivity, the poor executive functioning, impulse control, memory and cause and effect thinking.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is attributed to the effects of PAE, and has been associated with a two to six fold increase in mental disorder diagnosis in offsprings of alcohol binge drinking mothers. Youths with FASD are 19 times more likely to end up incarcerated than those without. Cigarette smoking and illicit drugs used in pregnancy also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and are important risk factors of criminality.

Offspring of mothers who drank during pregnancy especially heavy drinking of greater than 21 units a week, will be at an increased risk for adolescents antisocial activities and conversely criminal activities in adulthood. It is also likely that there is a positive relationship between the quantity of alcohol used and number and intensity of antisocial activities and criminal activities.