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What are some teratogens that affect the fetus?
Jan 22, 2014 · Teratogens are substances that may produce physical or functional defects in the human embryo or fetus after the pregnant woman is exposed to the substance. Alcohol and cocaine are examples of such substances. Exposure to the teratogen affects the fetus or embryo in a variety of ways, such as the duration of exposure, the amount of teratogenic substance, …
When are teratogens most harmful?
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. For example, in the early 1960's, a drug known as thalidomide was used to treat morning sickness. Click to see full answer.
Which factors are considered teratogens?
Medical Genetics: Teratogens What is a teratogen? A teratogen is something that can cause or raise the risk for a birth defect in a baby. They are things that a mother may be exposed to during her pregnancy. Teratogens include: Some medicines. Street drugs. Alcohol. Tobacco. Toxic chemicals. Some viruses and bacteria
When do teratogens affect fetus?
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. For example, in the early 1960’s, a drug known as thalidomide was used to treat morning sickness.
What happens if you are exposed to a teratogen during pregnancy?
Specifically, if exposure to a teratogen occurs during the first 3.5 to 4.5 weeks of gestation, a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida or anencephaly, may result. Various agents have been determined to not cause birth defects and are known as non-teratogenic agents. Examples of non-teratogenic agents that are commonly mistaken ...
What is a teratogen?
A teratogen is a substance that can cause abnormalities or birth defects in a developing fetus. Common teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, uncontrolled health problems in the birthing parent.
Can teratogens cause diabetes?
Teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, health problems such as un controlled diabetes in pregnant people. Exposure to a teratogen can occur through ingestion or environmental exposure during pregnancy.
How long does it take for a teratogen to develop?
Teratogens can begin affecting the developing embryo as early as 10 to 14 days after conception . During embryonic development, there are periods when the developing organ systems show more sensitivity to teratogens.
When do teratogens start to affect the embryo?
Teratogens can begin affecting the developing embryo as early as 10 to 14 days after conception. During embryonic development, there are periods when the developing organ systems show more sensitivity to teratogens.
When do organs show sensitivity to teratogens?
During embryonic development, there are periods when the developing organ systems show more sensitivity to teratogens. Specifically, if exposure to a teratogen occurs during the first 3.5 to 4.5 weeks of gestation, a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida or anencephaly, may result.
What happens if you are exposed to teratogens?
Specifically, if exposure to a teratogen occurs during the first 3.5 to 4.5 weeks of gestation, a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida or anencephaly, may result. Various agents have been determined to not cause birth defects and are known as non-teratogenic agents.
How do teratogens affect the fetus?
Teratogens may affect the embryo or fetus in a number of ways, causing physical malformations, problems in the behavioral or emotional development of the child, and decreased intellectual quotient (IQ) in the child. Additionally, teratogens may also affect pregnancies and cause complications such as preterm labors, spontaneous abortions, ...
What are the four types of 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.
What are teratogenic substances?
Teratogens. Teratogens are substances that may produce physical or functional defects in the human embryo or fetus after the pregnant woman is exposed to the substance. Alcohol and cocaine are examples of such substances. Exposure to the teratogen affects the fetus or embryo in a variety of ways, ...
What is the cause of hyperthermia in pregnant women?
In the 1980s, scientists used other agents to cause hyperthermia in pregnant females, such as ultrasound and electromagnetic radiation, to test the agent's capacity to cause birth defects in offspring. In humans, hyperthermia is associated with neural tube defects, spontaneous abortions, and various cardiovascular abnormalities.
What are the four types of abnormal development?
Meckel also categorized abnormal development into four basic types: reduced or absent body parts (insufficient generative energy), enlarged or multiple body parts (excessive energy), aberration of form and of position, and hermaphroditism, which included deformities such as ambiguous genitalia.
What is teratogen in pregnancy?
Table of Contents. Types. Exposure and Prevalence. Prevention. A teratogen is a substance that may lead to birth defects in an embryo or fetus. During pregnancy, exposure to certain chemicals, infections, and drugs may increase the risk that a person will miscarry or that the embryo or fetus could have a developmental abnormality.
How do teratogens affect pregnancy?
The impact of teratogens on pregnancy or a fetus depends on several factors. The timing and length of exposure, the stage of pregnancy when the exposure happened, whether a parent’s genes make them more susceptible, and the type of agent they were exposed to all contribute to the risk.
What are the risks of teratogens?
A teratogen is a substance that may lead to birth defects in an embryo or fetus. During pregnancy, exposure to certain chemicals, infections, and drugs may increase the risk that a person will miscarry or that the embryo or fetus could have a developmental abnormality. Alcohol and smoking are two common ...
Is radiation a teratogen?
Exposure to certain necessary medical interventions, workplace hazards, or heat can pose a risk to fetuses as well. Radiation exposure and heat are both considered physical teratogens. Radiation, also called electric and magnetic fields, is either ionizing or non-ionizing.
Is ionizing radiation harmful during pregnancy?
Studies have not found that these pose a significant risk during pregnancy. 4. Ionizing radiation includes things like X-rays, gamma rays, and sunlight. These can be harmful. The risk of exposure to ionizing radiation varies, depending on the dose of exposure and pregnancy stage.
Is hyperthermia a teratogenic condition?
The highest risk is associated with higher doses and exposure in the first trimester. 5. Hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature) can be teratogenic during pregnancy. Hyper thermia can be caused by things like exercise, hot tubs, and saunas. Mitigating hyperthermia risk involves ensuring that your core body temperature does not rise ...
Can a cold affect a pregnant woman?
Not all infections affect a developing fetus and pregnancy in the same way. Pregnant people often encounter the common cold and some milder infections without incident. But some illnesses have a greater potential to impact a pregnancy.
What is a teratogen?
A teratogen is any agent that disrupts a baby's development when a person is exposed to it during pregnancy. Known teratogens include alcohol, smoking, toxic chemicals, radiation, viruses, some maternal health conditions, and certain prescription drugs. Some teratogens are more concerning than others.
How long does it take for a teratogen to harm a fetus?
Amount: The amount of harm to a fetus increases the more the pregnant person consumes or is exposed to a teratogen. Duration of exposure: The longer a fetus is exposed to a teratogen, the more dangerous the effects. Time of exposure: Teratogens are most harmful early in pregnancy, starting about 10 to 14 days after conception to about 8 weeks ...
Is teratogen harmful?
Some teratogens are more concerning than others. How harmful a teratogen is depends on several factors, including: 1. Type: Some teratogens, including alcohol and smoking, have a more harmful impact on a developing fetus than others. 2 3. Amount: The amount of harm to a fetus increases the more the pregnant person consumes or is exposed ...
How early can you get teratogens?
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 teratogens affect IQ?
Teratogens can also affect cognitive development. Babies born to a parent who drinks alcohol or has certain health conditions, like thyroid disorders, have been shown to have lower IQ scores. 5. Teratogens can cause harm from conception to delivery but often cause the most damage in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.
How many women take heroin during pregnancy?
Unfortunately, about 1 in 20 women take street drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin during pregnancy, which is very harmful to fetal development. These drugs are linked to infertility, premature birth, miscarriage, low birth weight, and birth defects. 7
Does smoking in the womb affect the immune system?
However, early research suggests that exposure to nicotine in the womb can cause damage to babies' developing cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and respiratory systems, even in the absence of tobacco smoke. 6.
What are teratogens?
A teratogen is something that can cause or raise the risk for a birth defect in a baby. They are things that a mother may be exposed to during her pregnancy. Teratogens include: 1 Some medicines 2 Street drugs 3 Alcohol 4 Tobacco 5 Toxic chemicals 6 Some viruses and bacteria 7 Certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes
How do teratogens affect a baby?
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. Some organs are sensitive to teratogens during the whole pregnancy.
How long does it take for a teratogen to grow?
Experts believe that teratogens can begin affecting a baby growing in the womb about 10 to14 days after conception. Conception is when a woman’s egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm. After conception, it takes about 6 to 9 days for the egg to implant in the uterus.
How does the fertilized egg affect the growing baby?
Once the fertilized egg is attached to the uterus, the mother and the embryo share a blood supply. Chemicals in the mother's blood can then affect the growing baby. 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.
When does the neural tube close during pregnancy?
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. Some organs are sensitive to teratogens during the whole pregnancy. This includes the baby's brain and spinal cord.
Can teratogens cause spina bifida?
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 are the chemicals in birth control?
These chemicals are found in products for birth control, such as gels, creams, and fo ams, and on some condoms. Studies have shown no link with the use of spermicides and any increased chance for birth defects. Acetaminophen. This is a common ingredient in some pain medicines.
What is a teratogen?
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. For example, in the early 1960’s, a drug known as thalidomide was used to treat morning sickness.
Where can teratogens be found?
Teratogens can also be found at home or the workplace. The effect is related to type of agent, dose and duration and time of exposure. The first half of pregnancy is the most vulnerable.
What is a teratogen in Appendix D?
Appendix D Teratogens/Prenatal Substance Abuse. 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. For example, in the early 1960’s, a drug known as thalidomide was used to treat morning sickness.
What are the teratogenic agents?
The first half of pregnancy is the most vulnerable. Teratogenic agents include infectious agents ( rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis, etc.); physical agents (ionizing agents, hyperthermia); maternal health factors ( diabetes, ...
What are the most common drugs used in pregnancy?
In addition, almost three percent of pregnant women use illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, Ecstasy and other amphetamines, and heroin.
What drugs do pregnant women use?
In addition, almost three percent of pregnant women use illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, Ecstasy and other amphetamines, and heroin. These drugs can cause low birth-weight, withdrawal symptoms, birth defects, or learning or behavioral problems.
What are the causes of birth defects?
Two of the leading preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities are alcohol and smoking. Alcohol use in pregnancy has significant effects on the fetus and the baby. Alcohol can pass from the mother’s blood stream through the placenta to the fetus.
What are teratogens and their effects on pregnancy?
Teratogens and their Effects on Pregnancy and Development . Definitions and Statistics . “A teratogen is an agent, which can cause a birth defect. It is usually something in the environment that the mother may be exposed to during her pregnancy. It could be a prescribed medication, a street drug, alcohol use, or a disease present in the mother, ...
How many birth defects are caused by teratogens?
About 4-5% of birth defects are caused by exposure to a teratogen during pregnancy. Teratogens can impact a baby’s development as little as 10-14 days after conception. •http://www.chw.org/medical-care/genetics-and-genomics-program/medical- genetics/teratogens/.
Is aspirin safe for pregnancy?
爀屲爀屲爀屲. Many prescription drugs have been proven to be safe for pregnancy. Many antibiotics and antidepressants, for example have pregnancy safe options.
How long does it take for a baby to develop from teratogens?
Teratogens can impact a baby’s development as little as 10-14 days after conception . •http://www.chw.org/medical-care/genetics-and-genomics-program/medical- genetics/teratogens/. “You may not feel a few drinks, but your baby could feel them forever. http://www.relatably.com/q/quotes-fetal-alcohol-syndrome.
What is prenatal radiation?
Prenatal Radiation Exposure . Is the exposure of an unborn baby to radiation. This exposure of the fetus can occur when the mother's abdomen area is exposed to radiation (example, X-rays). From the mother, radioactive debris may pass through the umbilical cord to the baby.
Can a fetus be exposed to radiation?
This exposure of the fetus can occur when the mother's abdomen area is exposed to radiation (example, X-rays). From the mother, radioactive debris may pass through the umbilical cord to the baby. If the father has had exposure to radiation or lead before/during conception it can lead to birth defects as well.
Can radiation kill an embryo?
If the embryo survives radiation-induced noncancerous health effects are unlikely, no matter what the radiation dose. Because the embryo is made up of only a few cells, damage to one cell, the progenitor of many other cells, can cause the death of the embryo, and the blastocyst will fail to implant in the uterus.
What Is A teratogen?
Is Alcohol A teratogen?
- Alcohol is a teratogen that can affect the central nervous system of the developing fetus. The central nervous system is sensitive to teratogensfor the entire duration of pregnancy, and if alcohol is consumed at any point, there can be severe health problems or birth defects in the baby. It is recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol for the duration of a pregnancy.
Is Chickenpox A teratogen?
- Chickenpox can have teratogenic effects on a fetus. If a pregnant person develops chickenpox in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, there is a slight risk of a rare, but serious, birth defect known as congenital varicellasyndrome. A fetus with congenital varicella syndrome is at risk of developing skin scars, abnormalities of the eyes, legs, arms, and brain, as well as gastrointestinal problems…
Is BPA A teratogen?
- BPA, or bisphenol A, may potentially have teratogenic effects on a developing fetus. BPA is a chemical found mainly in plastic, and is often used in containers that store beverages and food. When exposed to heat, the BPA can leach into food and be ingested. At this time, it is unclear whether BPA has teratogenic effectson the fetus. Recent studies conducted on mice hypothesiz…
Is Caffeine A teratogen?
- Caffeine is not considered to be a teratogen. It is, however, a stimulant and diuretic, which can cause an increase in an individual’s blood pressure and heart rate. If consumed during pregnancy, caffeine can cross the placenta and can have similar effects on the developing fetus’s blood pressure and heart rate. Current recommendations for caffeine consumption during pregnancy s…
What Are The Most Important Facts to Know About Teratogens?
- A teratogen is a substance that can cause abnormalities or birth defects in a developing fetus. 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 …
What Is A teratogen?
- The impact of teratogens on pregnancy or a fetus depends on several factors. The timing and length of exposure, the stage of pregnancy when the exposure happened, whether a parent’s genes make them more susceptible, and the type of agent they were exposed to all contribute to the risk. Teratogens generally fall under the following categories:
Why They Are Important
Types of Teratogens
How to Avoid Teratogens
Regulation of Teratogens
A Word from Verywell
- All parents should know what teratogens are and how to avoid them since they can cause harm throughout pregnancy, starting around the time of conception. For instance, the risk of miscarriage is higher when you smoke or drink alcohol or are exposed to radiation and certain toxic chemicals.4 These and other teratogens are also linked to premature birth. Additionally, 4…