Protecting The Prenatal Environment: Teratogens And Their Effects

Teratogens, things in the environment that can cause damage to the fetus, are found virtually everywhere. Understanding what can be done to prevent these teratogens from affecting the prenatal environment is crucial to give birth to a healthy baby.

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There are four different factors that can contribute to the amount of danger a teratogen can cause. The dose or amount of teratogen exposed to the fetus, age of the fetus, heredity, and other negative factors (i.e.: poor nutrition.) (Berk, 101)

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There are sensitive periods during prenatal development where these organs or extremities can be damaged by teratogens. The dark purple bar stands for the period where the most damage can be done by a teratogen. Light purple stands for the period where it is less likely that damage will be done, but it is still a possibility. (Berk, 102)

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Prescription drugs have been found to cause damage to fetuses. Aspirin, a common over the counter drug, has been linked to low birth weight or even infant death. Other common effects are brain abnormalities, poor motor development, or birth complications. It is important to inform the doctor exactly what medicines the mother is taking because it can harm her fetus. (Berk, 104)

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A mother taking illegal drugs can pass on these effects to an unborn child. Babies born to drug-addicted mothers are addicted to drugs themselves. Most of these infants have very high pitched cries and have trouble sleeping. Some of these babies get better after infancy, with fewer issues throughout life.

Unfortunately, illegal drugs are also linked to physical defects, low-birth weight, and even death. (Berk, 104, 105)

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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a term based on behavioral, physical, and mental results due to alcohol use during the prenatal period. Shown above are the physical abnormalities due to heavy alcohol use.

Children diagnosed with FAS have issues with brain functions such as memory, language, and motor coordination. There are also issues with social skills and overactivity. (Berk, 106, 107)

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Smoking during pregnancy can result in many different outcomes. Low birth weight is the most common but other outcomes such as miscarriages, infant death, and later illnesses such as asthma can also occur.

Infants that are seemingly okay when born to a mother who smoked can also have developmental challenges such as colic short attention spans. Smoking has also been linked to aggressive behavior and lower intelligence later in life. (Berk, 105, 106)

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Large amounts of radiation have been linked to miscarriages or babies born with deformities such as slowed physical growth or brain damage. Even small amounts of radiation raise concerns, though. Some of these concerns are lower rates of language, emotional disorders, or even childhood cancer. (Berk, 108)

Many infectious diseases have severe effects if the fetus is exposed prenatally. Chickenpox, Mumps, and many STDs have been linked to miscarriages, physical deformations, low birth weight, and intellectual disabilities. Some of these diseases are less likely to occur in industrialized countries due to vaccinations. (Berk, 109, 110)

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

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Since fetuses are completely dependent on the mother for nutrition, it is extremely important that the mother eats right. Proper weight gain, around 25-30 pounds, is important to ensure the baby is born at a healthy weight. Proper nutrition is also necessary for development of the Central Nervous System and internal organs. (Berk, 111, 112)

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Light exercise during pregnancy is linked to reduced complications, such as gestational diabetes, and better cardiovascular functioning for the infant. Exercising throughout the pregnancy can also reduce certain discomforts during the third trimester; when pregnancy often get uncomfortable.

Avoiding stress is also helpful. Excessive stress is linked to miscarriages and low birth weight. Stress and anxiety are also linked to a lowered immune system, thus affecting the health of the mother and the baby.

It is important to try and remain healthy throughout the pregnancy by avoiding teratogens, continuing to exercise, and engaging in a proper diet. (Berk, 111)

Additional Resources

http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/pregnancysmoking.html

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/clpt.2012.141/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188826/