Teratogenic agents include
infectious agents (rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis, etc.);
physical agents (ionizing agents, hyperthermia); maternal health factors (diabetes, maternal PKU); environmental chemicals (organic mercury compounds, polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB, …
What are some examples of a teratogen?
A teratogen is something that can cause birth defects or abnormalities in a developing embryo or fetus upon exposure. Teratogens include
some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections
, and in some cases, health problems such as uncontrolled diabetes in pregnant people.
What are some teratogens in pregnancy?
- angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as Zestril and Prinivil.
- alcohol.
- aminopterin.
- androgens, such as methyltestosterone (Android)
- busulfan (Myleran)
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- chlorobiphenyls.
- cocaine.
What teratogens are most harmful during pregnancy?
One teratogen that affects the central nervous system is
alcohol
. Alcohol, at any time during the pregnancy, has the potential to cause birth defects and health problems in the baby, since the central nervous system is sensitive to teratogens the entire nine months of gestation.
What are 4 teratogens?
Teratogens are classified into four types:
physical agents, metabolic conditions, infection, and finally, drugs and chemicals
. The word teratogen originates from the Greek word for monster, teratos.
Is caffeine a teratogen?
In humans,
caffeine does not present any teratogenic risk
. The increased risk of the most common congenital malformations entailed by moderate consumption of caffeine is very slight.
What is the most common teratogen?
Alcohol
: One of the most commonly used teratogens is alcohol, and because half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, it is recommended that women of child-bearing age take great caution against drinking alcohol when not using birth control or when pregnant (CDC, 2005).
What are 2 common teratogens?
Alcohol and smoking
are two common teratogens. Exposure to either of them can lead to developmental anomalies, miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, and a variety of other pregnancy complications.
How can teratogens be avoided during pregnancy?
Do not use chemicals that may harm your child
– This includes pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides, or harsh cleaning products. Do not smoke, use drugs or consume alcohol during pregnancy – These teratogens greatly increase the risk of fetal birth defects and other life threatening conditions.
Which trimester of pregnancy is the fetus most vulnerable to teratogens?
Major malformations are more common in early embryos than in newborns; however, most severely affected embryos are spontaneously aborted during
the first six to eight weeks of gestation
. During organogenesis between days 15 to 60, teratogenic agents are more likely to cause major congenital malformations.
Which is a best practice for a healthy pregnancy?
- Take a prenatal vitamin.
- Exercise regularly.
- Write a birth plan.
- Educate yourself.
- Change your chores (avoid harsh or toxic cleaners, heavy lifting)
- Track your weight gain (normal weight gain is 25-35 pounds)
- Get comfortable shoes.
- Eat folate-rich foods (lentils, asparagus, oranges, fortified cereals)
At what stage does the umbilical cord develop?
The umbilical cord is the vital connection between the fetus and the placenta. Umbilical cord development begins in the
embryologic period around week 3
with the formation of the connecting stalk.
What are three teratogens?
Teratogenic agents include infectious
agents (rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis, etc.);
physical agents (ionizing agents, hyperthermia); maternal health factors (diabetes, maternal PKU); environmental chemicals (organic mercury compounds, polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB, …
What stage of pregnancy do birth defects happen?
Most birth defects occur in
the first 3 months of pregnancy
, when the organs of the baby are forming. This is a very important stage of development. However, some birth defects occur later in pregnancy. During the last six months of pregnancy, the tissues and organs continue to grow and develop.
At which stage of pregnancy does the highest risk of central nervous system damage occur?
Development of the central nervous system
Between the fifth and seventh week
is the most highly sensitive time for the central nervous system, which will continue to develop until the baby is 18 months old.
Which fruit should I avoid during pregnancy?
Papaya
– It tops the list for obvious reasons. Raw or semi ripe papaya contains latex which can induce premature contractions and that can be dangerous for your baby.
