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

by Rachelle Shields 9 min read

This teratogen has an enormous effect on the growth of the fetus and on the mental development of the unborn child. �� genetic teratogens which include chromosomal abnormalities and disorders and defects of the single gene. They can cause Dawn Syndrome and heart diseases, growth and mental retardation.

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.

Full Answer

When are teratogens most harmful?

Teratogens are substances that could harm a developing fetus by affecting growth and causing birth defects or death. The use of tobacco during pregnancy is dangerous because the smoke causes the blood vessels to constrict.

Why are teratogens harmful?

What Is a Teratogen?

  • Types. The impact of teratogens on pregnancy or a fetus depends on several factors. ...
  • Exposure and Prevalence. About 4% to 5% of birth defects are caused by exposure to a teratogen. ...
  • Prevention. Sometimes it can be difficult to avoid teratogens altogether, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or require medication.
  • A Word From Verywell. ...

What are some teratogens that affect the fetus?

Types

  • Drugs. Many pregnant people take prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. ...
  • Infections. Not all infections affect a developing fetus and pregnancy in the same way. ...
  • Physical Agents. ...
  • Environmental Toxins. ...
  • Maternal Health Conditions. ...

What are the factors affecting prenatal development?

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  • Alcohol. If used heavily and frequently, it may cause mental retardation, hyperactivity, and undersized child.
  • Insecticides and Herbicides
  • Caffeine. They may cause mental retardation and possible stillbirths. ...
  • Heavy Metal. Heavy metals such as Arsenic may cause mental retardation and developmental disability in new born baby.

What is a teratogen in prenatal care?

A very large and essential part of prenatal care is the avoidance of teratogens. As we proceed I will mention the affects teratogens have on prenatal development, why the alcohol consumption should be reduced completely, and I will define what a teratogen actually is. Teratogen is a word used to describe behaviors, environments, ...

How many time periods are there in the teratogen process?

One of which, is what you are concerned with. It is known that in developed countries, like our own, the teratogen that is... The process is divided into three time periods. Those three periods consist of the germinal period, the embryonic period, and the fetal period.

What is the transition period of a fetus?

The fetus transitions through three distinct periods of prenatal development, germinal, embryonic, and fetal arriving at the end of the third trimester with organized systems that allows for regulated functioning. During the course of prenatal periods the introduction of teratogens has the potential to disrupt the natural course of progress, ...

What happens to the teeth at the end of the embryonic period?

Towards the end of the the embryonic period, the teeth and external genitalia are formed. All of these have the greatest sensitivity to teratogens, especially alcohol. Also, any sort of teratogen can do damage during the fetal period as well, which is the period in which the organs are finishing their...

How does stress affect the development of a fetus?

Stress impacts the development and growth of the fetus during the prenatal process and after the birth of the child that might persist into adulthood and cause more complications. Stress is an individual’s physical and mental reaction to the environment demands or pressures.

What is a teratogen?

Teratogen is a word used to describe behaviors, environments, and bodily conditions that can harm the development process of an organism. The process of prenatal development requires a healthy and strict lifestyle. To think that one would have the desire to live any lifestyle other than a healthy one during the development process is crazy.

Why is prenatal care important?

Prenatal care is essential in the holistic development of the child because it will determine the child’s health after birth. Good prenatal care gives less a chance for birth defects, this is why the mother has to be as careful as she can with everything she does.

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/.

How many rads are there in a fetus?

Threshold for congenital effects in the embryo or fetus is most between 10–20 rads.

What are the problems with fetal alcohol syndrome?

Babies who are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can suffer from learning and intellectual disabilities as well as delayed development. They tend to have poorer memory and trouble processing information. They can often have trouble with attention and poor judgment skills.

Why do embryos die?

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 . Embryos that survive, however, will exhibit few congenital abnormalities.

Is smoking a bad thing for a pregnant woman?

(Carlson, 2016) Dangers to Mother . Smoking is not only dangerous to a growing and developing fetus; it is also dangerous to the mother.

Does alcohol affect birth weight during pregnancy?

Analysis, however showed tendencies toward adverse effects of alcohol consumption. One or more alcoholic drinks per day consumed during early pregnancy had a correlation to birth weight. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of alcohol exposure during different periods of pregnancy.

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. Exposure of the fetus during this early stage of development resulted in cases of phocomelia, a congenital malformation in which the hands and feet are attached to abbreviated arms and legs. 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.

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. A teratogen is any agent that causes an abnormality following fetal exposure during pregnancy.