Teratogens Research Paper
Teratogens and Pregnancy
Margaret A Rivera
Child Psychology
2/8/12
In the world we live in today there are many things which may affect pregnancy and the development of the growing fetus within the mother’s womb. Teratogens are drugs, chemicals, or infections that may cause abnormal fetal growth (Lingen, 2006). Some believe that teratogens can affect the fetus as early as 10 to 14 days because the umbilical link is established within that time frame (Teratgons Overview). Even before a woman knows she is pregnant, she may unknowingly expose her growing child to harmful teratogens. Approximately 3% of all newborns have a congenital anomaly which requires medical attention (Nigam, 2009). 40% of hospitalized children are due to malformations of which 10% are due to teratogen agents (Nigam, 2009). …show more content…
These agents can be broken down into different classifications or types of exposure. These would include drugs, maternal conditions, intrauterine infections (or just infections), heavy metals, radiation, procedures during pregnancy, and other (Holmes, 2011). In the article, “Human teratogens: Update 2011,” it lists cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake under maternal conditions (Holmes, 2001). Although this may be true, it would seem that these would also fit under the category of drugs. In our schools today we teach children that both of these are drugs. Epilepsy and diabetes are two other maternal conditions which can affect the fetus. Even though the medications for both of them may affect the fetus, doctors do not recommend stopping the needed
Margaret A Rivera
Child Psychology
2/8/12
In the world we live in today there are many things which may affect pregnancy and the development of the growing fetus within the mother’s womb. Teratogens are drugs, chemicals, or infections that may cause abnormal fetal growth (Lingen, 2006). Some believe that teratogens can affect the fetus as early as 10 to 14 days because the umbilical link is established within that time frame (Teratgons Overview). Even before a woman knows she is pregnant, she may unknowingly expose her growing child to harmful teratogens. Approximately 3% of all newborns have a congenital anomaly which requires medical attention (Nigam, 2009). 40% of hospitalized children are due to malformations of which 10% are due to teratogen agents (Nigam, 2009). …show more content…
These agents can be broken down into different classifications or types of exposure. These would include drugs, maternal conditions, intrauterine infections (or just infections), heavy metals, radiation, procedures during pregnancy, and other (Holmes, 2011). In the article, “Human teratogens: Update 2011,” it lists cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake under maternal conditions (Holmes, 2001). Although this may be true, it would seem that these would also fit under the category of drugs. In our schools today we teach children that both of these are drugs. Epilepsy and diabetes are two other maternal conditions which can affect the fetus. Even though the medications for both of them may affect the fetus, doctors do not recommend stopping the needed