What are the effects of teratogens?

What are the effects of teratogens?

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.

What does methylmercury do to a fetus?

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an organic form of mercury that can damage the developing brains of human fetuses. Women who consume methylmercury during pregnancy can bear children who have neurological issues because methylmercury has toxic effects on the nervous system during embryonic development.

How does teratogens affect prenatal development?

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.

How does disease affect prenatal development?

Subsequent studies have shown that maternal diseases like depression and anxiety, epilepsy, asthma, anemia and metabolic disorders, like diabetes, are able to determine alterations in growth and fetal development.

What are teratogens describe three types of teratogens and its prenatal effects?

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.

What are the most common problems in prenatal development?

What health problems can develop during pregnancy?

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia. Anemia occurs when your red blood cell count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) is low.
  • Gestational Diabetes.
  • Depression and Anxiety.
  • Fetal Problems.
  • High Blood Pressure Related to Pregnancy.
  • Infections.
  • Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
  • Miscarriage.