What are the effects of teratogens on fetus?
What are the effects of teratogens on fetus?
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 teratogens and what is their effect on the developing fetus or embryo?
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 is the meaning of teratogenic effect?
Teratogenic: Able to disturb the growth and development of an embryo or fetus. See also: Teratogen and Teratogenic drugs.
What are examples of teratogenic effects?
These include cleft palate, heart defects, abnormalities of the outer ears, and underdevelopment of the lower jaw. Isotretinoin is also linked with neural tube defects. Some types of tranquilizers, such as phenothiazine and lithium, are thought to be teratogens.
What do teratogens do?
What is a teratogen? 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.
When is the fetus most vulnerable to the effects of teratogens and why?
The embryonic period, during which organogenesis takes place, occurs between implantation at around 14 days to around 60 days postconception. This is usually the most sensitive period to teratogenesis when exposure to a teratogenic agent has the greatest likelihood of producing a malformation.
How can teratogens be avoided during pregnancy?
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. With this in mind, avoid exposure to second hand smoke, given that it can also adversely affect the health and welfare of an unborn child.
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.
What are the different types of teratogens?
In addition to TORCH, some other infections that are teratogenic include:
- Varicella: Also called chickenpox.
- Parvovirus B19: More commonly known as fifth disease.
- Plasmodium falciparum: A parasite that causes malaria.
- Listeria: A bacterial infection from eating contaminated food3.
Which factor influences the effects of teratogens?
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.