What chemicals harm embryos and fetuses?
These dangerous chemicals include phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA) and flame retardants. Their impacts can manifest in the short term as birth defects or later in life as problems with reproduction, obesity, diabetes, hormonal balance or even cancers.
What chemicals can harm a fetus?
Chemicals to avoid when you're pregnant or breastfeedingPesticides and herbicides. Some pesticides (bug killers) and herbicides (weed killers) are known to affect developing and newborn babies. ... Cleaning products. ... Paint. ... Mosquito repellent. ... Mercury. ... Arsenic-treated timber. ... Nail polish. ... Paint and lead-based products.More items...
What are the 4 types of teratogens?
They are:Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection most often associated with kitty litter.Others: Like Treponema pallidum, a bacterial infection that causes syphilis.Rubella: A viral infection that is also known as German measles.Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A common viral infection.More items...•
What is teratogenic effect?
Teratogens are drugs, chemicals, or even infections that can cause abnormal fetal development. There are billions of potential teratogens, but only a few agents are proven to have teratogenic effects. These effects can result in a baby being born with a birth defect.
What are teratogens?
A teratogen is any agent that causes an abnormality following fetal exposure during pregnancy. Teratogens are usually discovered after an increased prevalence of a particular birth defect.
What are the chemicals that harm or cause birth defects quizlet?
Teratogens are environmental agents that interfere with embryonic or fetal development causing birth defct or abnormalities.
What is the most common teratogen?
The most common malformations include craniofacial dysmorphisms, cleft palate, thymic aplasia, and neural tube defects. The tranquilizer thalidomide is one of the most famous and notorious teratogens.
What are 3 examples of teratogens?
Common teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, uncontrolled health problems in the birthing parent. Alcohol is a well-known teratogen that can cause harmful effects on the fetus after exposure at any time during pregnancy.
What birth defects are caused by teratogens?
During this time, teratogens can cause neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Some organs are sensitive to teratogens during the whole pregnancy. This includes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Alcohol affects the brain and spinal cord, so it can cause harm at any time during pregnancy.
What is fetal toxicity?
Embryotoxicity is any morphological or functional alteration caused by chemical or physical agents that interferes with normal growth, homeostasis, development, and differentiation of fetus.
Why are teratogens harmful to developing fetuses?
As a baby grows in the womb, teratogens may affect parts of the baby's body as they are forming. For example, the neural tube closes in the first 3 to 5 weeks of the pregnancy. During this time, teratogens can cause neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
When are teratogens most harmful during pregnancy?
Time of exposure: Teratogens are most harmful early in pregnancy, starting about 10 to 14 days after conception to about 8 weeks into pregnancy. Genetics: Sometimes, the pregnant person's or the baby's unique genetics protect them or make them more vulnerable to certain teratogens.
Can cleaning chemicals cause miscarriage?
Cleaning and Pregnancy: Recommendations. However, try to avoid exposure to cleaning products containing: Glycol ethers. These are toxic substances found in household cleaning products like oven cleaners and have been associated with miscarriage, decreased male fertility, and birth defects.
What happens if you inhale cleaning products while pregnant?
But heavy-duty cleaners like undiluted bleach, tile cleaner, and oven cleaner, as well as air fresheners, can release toxic substances into the air. Inhaling such cleaning products while pregnant could allow these chemicals to cross the placenta and reach your growing baby.