Transcript Teratogens

Teratogens
Carolyn R. Fallahi, Ph. D.
The prenatal environment
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Teratogens: environmental agent
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Drug
Chemical
Virus
Other factors
Can result in birth defects
The timing of the teratogen is
important
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Timing is important
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Brain 15-25 days after conception
Heart 20-40 days after conception
Mother’s Diet
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Diet high in nutrients
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Easier labor
Generally healthier baby
World Food Council = 550 million hungry
people in the world.
Mother’s Age
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Over 30 = increased risk
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Premature birth
Lower birth weight
More likely Down syndrome
1/100 over 40
25% over 50
Mother’s Age
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Adolescence
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20% premature deliveries
Mortality rates double for mothers in
adolescence versus mothers in 20s
Issues; not enough money or social
support; not enough prenatal care;
parenting support
Mother’s Illness
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Rubella (German measles) prior to the
11th week of pregnancy – blindness,
deafness, heart defects, brain damage
Chicken pox – birth defects
Mumps – increase the risk of
miscarriage
STDs
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STDs, e.g. syphilis, transmitted directly
to the baby.
Gonorrhea
AIDS
Mother’s Drug Use
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Legal & Illegal drugs pose risks
Aspirin
Thalidomide
Marijuana
Cocaine
Alcohol/Tobacco
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FAS/FAE