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A teratogen is an agent that can produce a permanent alteration of structure or function in an organism exposed during embyronic or fetal life.
of the agent
growth or proliferation Cell death Cell migration Cell and tissue interactions Disruptions
Mutagenesis
Principal
mechanisms
Prevention of Birth Defects Caused by Teratogenic Exposures is an Important Public Health Problem.
Medications
Over-the-counter
Medications
Frequently
used by pregnant women Biologically active Taken systemically Taken in high doses Information about teratogenicity very limited
tends to provoke anxiety, often unnecessarily Women may be advised or choose to terminate pregnancy to avoid risk
7 wks pc
Effects on Development
Preconception
Intergenerational Effects
Genetic Cultural Non-genetic Familial Intergenerational Effects
Effects on Development
Conception
to pre-birth
Prenatal Effects
Conception, zygote (0 to 2 weeks), embryo (2 weeks to 2 months), fetus (2 months to birth)
50% of zygotes are miscarried (mother is unaware) The zygote, embryo, and fetus are susceptible to a variety of teratogens (ionizing radiation, alcohol, drugs, hormones, chemicals, and perhaps the subtle effects of non-ionizing radiation).
Neurons and glial cells (astrocytes) were exposed to non-ionizing Cell-phone radiation (GSM 800 1900 MHz) for 2 hours.
Birth Defects
Incidence
High
Risk Pregnancies
Teratogens
Epigenetic
Period
Other Concerns
Poverty
Child
Leading cause of birth defects in the U.S. Oldest known cause of developmental disabilities Bible (Judges 13:3-4) Behold now, thou art barren and barest not; but thou shalt conceive and bear son. Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink Estimated Alcohol use among women ages 18-44
50% / 11% Binge (4 or more drinks on any occasion)
Why, if most people understand the alcohol is harmful to a embryo or fetus, is FAS so prevalent?
Embryonic Period
Week:
to Fetus
Fetal Period
2nd
- 6th Month
24
6th
Birth
Findings:
No effect on conception No effect on increase in spontaneous abortion No increased incidence of anomalies 80% gave birth on or before their due dates compared to 50 percent of control group (no prem) 70% who delivered vaginally completed 3rd stage labor in less than 4 hours compared to 30% control 1/3 fewer cesareans Conclusion Exercise is good, but check with Doctor first (consider lifestyle, exercise history, and overall health)
Ultrasound Amniocentesis Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Alpha-fetoprotein Glucose Tolerance Test
Chromosomal Anomalies
Usually
THE
END