Teratogens: Definition, Examples, and Expectations by Rylee Sperduto

What is a Teratogen?

sperdryl — 2024-09-25 18:32:48 UTC

A teratogen is any substance, agent, or process that can interfere with normal embryonic or fetal development, potentially causing birth defects or developmental issues. The word 'teratogen' comes from the Greek words 'teratos' (monster) and 'gen' (to produce).

How Teratogens Work

sperdryl — 2024-09-25 18:32:48 UTC

Teratogens can affect fetal development in various ways, including: 1) Interfering with cell division, 2) Altering cellular function, 3) Disrupting normal tissue and organ formation, 4) Causing cell death. The impact depends on factors like dosage, duration of exposure, and stage of pregnancy.

Alcohol

sperdryl — 2024-09-25 18:32:48 UTC

Alcohol is a well-known teratogen. Drinking during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), causing physical abnormalities, behavioral issues, and cognitive impairments. There's no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. It is the most dangerous during the first three months of pregnancy.

Sushi

sperdryl — 2024-09-25 18:42:45 UTC

Although sushi is liked by a lot of people, when it is consumed by someone who is pregnant. Sushi can have parasites, and bacteria. Some of them, like yellowfin tuna has higher levels of mercury which can cause serious birth defects. Since pregnancy weakens the immune system this causes you to be more prone to illness when eating sushi and can also cause, preterm deliver, still birth and miscarriages. You can have sushi but you cannot have any uncooked fish. This is most dangerous the first trimester of pregnancy.

Medicines

sperdryl — 2024-09-26 18:18:34 UTC

Medicines like, antidepressants, acne medications, some blood pressure ones and others can cause birth defects, like birth withdrawal which is repetitive movements, irritability, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause low birth weight for the baby. They can also damage the placenta. Medicines is highly vulnerable to birth defects through the 3rd and 8th week of pregnancy.

Caffeine

sperdryl — 2024-09-26 18:26:12 UTC

Even though a lot of us need caffeine to do stuff especially in the morning, caffeine is a teratogen. Caffeine can cause low birth weight, an increased risk of pre-eclampsa. There can be changes in brain development, It can also make children want more sweet foods when they are older. In the first trimester pregnant women can only have 200mg of caffeine, and then in the third trimester 500mg of caffeine.

Cigarettes

sperdryl — 2024-09-26 18:34:38 UTC

If you smoke while pregnant you can double the risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Your baby can have reduced oxygen supply and nutrients due to carbon monoxide and nicotine In tobbaco smoke. Smoking can be fatal to your fetus. it can cause SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It can cause you go into labor too early. Smoking is the most dangerous in the third trimester. It is best to stop smoking before you are pregnant.