Teratogens

Carolyn R. Fallahi, Ph. D.

The prenatal environment

Teratogens: environmental agent Drug Chemical Virus Other factors Can result in birth defects

The timing of the teratogen is important

Timing is important Brain 15-25 days after conception Heart 20-40 days after conception

Mother’s Diet

Diet high in nutrients Easier labor Generally healthier baby World Food Council = 550 million hungry

people in the world.

Mother’s Age

Over 30 = increased risk Premature birth Lower birth weight More likely Down syndrome 1/100 over 40 25% over 50

Mother’s Age

Adolescence 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

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

STDs, e.g. syphilis, transmitted directly to the baby.

Gonorrhea AIDS

Mother’s Drug Use

Legal & Illegal drugs pose risks Aspirin Thalidomide Marijuana Cocaine Alcohol/Tobacco

FAS/FAE