Teratogens and Their Effects on Fetus Development

Each pregnant woman has 3 to 5% possibility of giving birth to a child suffering from childbirth, and when the developing fetus / embryo is intentionally or unintentionally exposed to a teratogenic substance, these opportunities increase (Bethesda (MD), 2006). Teratogenic substances can cause severe birth defects, malformations or complete abortion (Jancárková, & Gregor, 2000). The placenta is thought to be an effective barrier to harmful pathogens that may harm the fetus. Exposure time of teratogenic substances is important for prenatal development (Bethesda (MD), 2006).

Teratogenic substances are any environmental substances or substances (biological, chemical or physical) that may adversely affect developing fetuses. Exposure to teratogen during prenatal period significantly increases the risk of congenital deficiency. Several factors, including dose or exposure level, genetic, age of teratogenic substance, other adverse effects (eg some teratogenic substances or teratogenic substances and disorders) are caused by teratogenic damage It affects the degree. There are several known teratogens recommended for pregnant pregnant women, including alcohol, prescription drugs and / or illegal drugs and tobacco.

Teratogenic substances are all environmental factors - biological, chemical or physical factors - that damage developing embryos or fetuses. There are various kinds of teratogenic substances. Alcohol and most drugs pass through the placenta and affect the fetus. Drinking during pregnancy is not safe. Alcohol use during pregnancy is considered to be the major preventable cause of mental retardation in children in the United States (Maier & West, 2001). Mothers who drink too much during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disturbances and give children a mild to severe lifetime outcome (Table 1). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an aggregation of birth defects associated with massive drinking during pregnancy. Physically, children of FASD may have small head and abnormal facial features. From a cognitive point of view, these children may have poor judgment, impulsive control, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability, and low IQ.