A teratogen refers to any number of diseases and medical problems that can alter the normal growth of a fetus. They can cause birth defects as well as mental problems and they occur during pregnancy. baby. Shortly after a woman becomes pregnant, the fetus becomes susceptible to any medical problem the mother may be experiencing. For example, when a bacterial infection is present, it can travel through the bloodstream and to the fetus. The severity of a teratogen depends on when it occurs during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is typically divided into trimesters, during which the fetus goes through changes as it grows. The organs are being developed and bodily functions also start to happen. During this time, if a specific teratogen is introduced, it can affect growth patterns or cause deformities. For example, when the spinal cord is growing a teratogen can cause an abnormality that result in the inability to walk. If a teratogen attacks a mother while the brain is being formed, then learning disabilities as well as retardation can also occur.
There are various things that can be considered a teratogen. An illness or infection can severely effect a fetus’s growth and some can also do permanent damage. The herpes simplex virus can be spread to the fetus and can cause skin rashes and possible blindness. If the infection is spread to the brain, it can also cause learning disabilities. Chicken pox and shingles are other diseases that can be transmitted to a fetus, where they can cause limbs to develop at different lengths, an unusually small head, or even a miscarriage.
Alcohol is a teratogen that is unfortunately self-induced. When an expecting mother consumes too much alcohol, a host of health problems can occur. Organ growth can be affected and moderate to severe learning disabilities can also occur. The worst case scenario for consuming too much alcohol while pregnant is fetal alcohol syndrome. With this syndrome, the facial features also change and learning and behavioral problems will most likely also be seen.
Certain prescription drugs as well as street drugs are good examples of teratogens, which can be responsible for causing developmental problems. Sometimes these types of drugs may have been taken by the expectant mother even before she knows she was pregnant. Drugs that help with epilepsy, tranquilizers, and blood pressure medication can all cause birth defects or abnormalities. Illegal drugs like amphetamines or cocaine can damage the developing central nervous system.
