Question

Choose two Teratogens (non chromosomal or not genetic), Explain when would the teratogen most effect development of embryo and why and specifically what organs it effects and what are the developmentally issues from exposure.

Answer 1

TERATOGENS

• Teratogen is any agent that causes an abnormality following fetal exposure during pregnancy.
• Teratogens are usually discovered after an increased prevalance of a particular birth defect.
• The two not genetic teratogens are

1. Alcohol
2. Smoking

• These teratogens in the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features.
• There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
• Alcohol can cause problems for the developing baby throughout pregnancy.
• Babies whose mother smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of SIDS, having weaker lungs and relatively low birth weight.
• Low birth babies are at higher risk to death and vulnerable to infection, breathing difficulties and long term health problems in adulthood.

ORGANS AFFECTED

1. ALCOHOL

• Brain and spinal cord

2. SMOKING

• Kidney
• Brain
• Lungs.

DEVELOPMENTALLY ISSUES FROM EXPOSURE

1. ALCOHOL

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
• Brain damage
• Premature birth

2. SMOKING

• Cleft lips, cleft palate or both
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Miscarriage and stillbirth