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Medical Genetics: TeratogensWhat is a teratogen?A teratogen (ter-AT-uh-jen) is something that can cause or raise the risk for a birth defect in a baby. They are things that a mother may be exposed to during her pregnancy. Teratogens include:
The riskiest times of pregnancyExperts believe that teratogens can begin affecting a baby growing in the womb about 10 to14 days after conception. Conception is when a woman’s egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm. After conception, it takes about 6 to 9 days for the egg to implant in the uterus. Once the fertilized egg is attached to the uterus, the mother and the embryo share a blood supply. Chemicals in the mother's blood can then affect the growing baby. 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. 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. This is why you should not drink alcohol if you are pregnant. How are teratogens known?Researchers have two ways of finding out if a substance is a teratogen. They are:
What are nonteratogenic agents?Certain things have been shown to not cause birth defects. These are called nonteratogenic agents. These include:
Talking with your healthcare providerIf you’re pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about things to avoid during pregnancy that may cause birth defects. He or she can help answer your questions and help you have a safe pregnancy. What are 3 examples of teratogens?Alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs are known teratogens. Alcohol affects the fetus's central nervous system. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the fetus's risk for fetal alcohol syndrome.
What are the 4 types of teratogens?Teratogens are classified into four types: physical agents, metabolic conditions, infection, and finally, drugs and chemicals. The word teratogen originates from the Greek word for monster, teratos.
What are 5 known teratogens?Teratogenic agents include infectious agents (rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis, etc.); physical agents (ionizing agents, hyperthermia); maternal health factors (diabetes, maternal PKU); environmental chemicals (organic mercury compounds, polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB, ...
Which of the following are teratogens?Teratogenic agents include infectious agents (rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis, etc.); physical agents (ionizing agents, hyperthermia); maternal health factors (diabetes, maternal PKU); environmental chemicals (organic mercury compounds, polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB, ...
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