explain how the impact of a teratogen changes over the course of prenatal development

by Prof. Chloe Leuschke Sr. 10 min read

The impact of teratogens changes of the course ofprenatal development. Each teratogen affects a specific aspect (or aspects) ofprenatal development. (e.g. PCBs) Impact of teratogens depends on the dosage.

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.Jan 22, 2014

Full Answer

How do teratogens affect prenatal development?

“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, which could increase the chance for the baby to be born with a birth defect.”

What factors influence the degree of harm a teratogen will cause?

Human Development (6th Edition) Edit edition This problem has been solved: Solutions for Chapter 2.3 Problem 1TYI: Explain how the impact of a teratogen changes over the course of prenatal development. …

What percentage of birth defects are caused by exposure to teratogens?

Abnormalities in prenatal development can be an outcome from exposure to teratogens. Each organ structure is at its most vulnerable to harm when it is developing at its quickest, during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, carrying the greatest risk …

What are teratogens and why are they important?

Abnormalities in prenatal development can be an outcome from exposure to teratogens. Each organ structure is at its most vulnerable to harm when it is developing at its quickest, during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, carrying the greatest risk of …

What are teratogens and how can they negatively impact prenatal development?

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.Mar 3, 2016

In what ways do teratogens influence prenatal development quizlet?

In what ways do teratogens influence prenatal development? Teratogens may cause miscarriages and birth defects. One of the biggest problems related to multiple births is: Premature deliveries.

What factors influence the impact of teratogens on development?

Environmental Factors and Birth Defects The effects depend on the nature of the teratogen, the timing at which the exposure occurs and, most likely, the genetic susceptibility of the mother and/or the fetus. Teratogenic agents can be environmental chemicals, maternal metabolic factors, drugs, or infections.

What are the most common teratogens affecting prenatal development?

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 are the five general principles concerning the effects of teratogens on prenatal development?

In considering the effects of drugs on pregnancy, it is important to remember the 6 principles of teratology: genetic susceptibility, development stage, mechanisms, end points, access, and dose response.

When would a teratogen have the most impact on a developing human quizlet?

Why does the timing of teratogenic exposure matter? - The effects of a teratogenic agent are worst during the critical period when an organ system grows most rapidly. - Organogenesis takes place during the embryonic period (weeks 3-8 of prenatal development).

What is considered a teratogen during prenatal development?

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.

When do teratogens affect the fetus?

Teratogens are thought to have the ability to effect the fetus about 10 to14 days after conception. During the development of a baby, there are certain organs forming at certain times.

What can influence the damage a teratogen may do to a fetus quizlet?

Teratogens are external agents such as virus, drugs, chemicals, and radiation that can harm a developing embryo or fetus. -Not all embryos are equally affect by teratogens; susceptibility to harm is influences by the embryo's or fetus' and the pregnant woman's genetic makeup and quality of the prenatal environment.

What is a teratogen What are some examples of a teratogen what factors influence 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.Apr 26, 2021

How does tobacco affect a baby during pregnancy?

Tobacco. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for developing babies, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects of the mouth and lip. Smoking during and after pregnancy also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Why is it difficult to determine the prenatal effects of many environmental agents such as drugs and pollution?

Polydrug use, genetic, and environmental factors make it difficult to identify the specific direct effects of prenatal drug exposure on children's outcome. If these factors are not accounted for, developmental effects may be erroneously attributed to prenatal drug exposure (Type I error).Nov 8, 2015

What is the prenatal environment?

Under normal conditions, the prenatal environment supplies the foetus with ample nutrients, this is the foetus’s single source of nutrition. An insufficient diet alone can be a factor in abnormal occurrences in the developing foetus. (Carlson et al 2004).

How much folic acid should I take a day?

It is advisable to consume a minimum of 400 micrograms per day. It is also advisable to take a multi vitamin prior to pregnancy.

What is prenatal development?

Prenatal Development. Developmental psychologists consider the process of human development as it relates to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. This lifespan development is organized into different stages based on age. Prenatal development is the process that occurs during the 40 weeks prior to the birth of a child, ...

When is the fetal stage?

Fetal Stage. The remainder of prenatal development occurs during the fetal stage, which lasts from week 9 until birth (usually between 38 and 40 weeks). When the organism is about nine weeks old, the embryo is called a fetus.

Why is gene expression important?

Gene expression is carefully regulated in every organism to allow the organism to adapt to differing conditions. The expression of genetic information in a given cell or organism is neither random nor fully pre-programmed. Genes can either be dominant or recessive, meaning they can either be expressed or hidden.

What is deoxyribonucleic acid?

deoxyribonucleic acid: A genetic component found in all living things which it is associated with the transmission of genetic information; consists of a polymer formed from nucleotides which are shaped into a double helix.

How many pairs of chromosomes are there in the human body?

The first 22 pairs of chromosomes are known as autosomes and determine things such as eye and hair color. The last pair, known as the sex chromosomes, determine a person’s biological sex: females have two X chromosomes, while males have an X and a Y chromosome.

When does the second trimester end?

Prenatal development is also organized into trimesters: the first trimester ends with the end of the embryonic stage, the second trimester ends at week 20, and the third trimester ends at birth.

What is the structure of a chromosome?

chromosome: A structure in the cell nucleus that contains DNA, histone protein, and other structural proteins. conception: The fertilization of an ovum by a sperm to form a zygote. zygote: A fertilized egg cell.