Definition & Basic
An agent or factor that causes malformation of an embryo.
What is a teratogen?
Because it’s when organs and structures are forming.
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Why is the embryonic period so sensitive to teratogens?
Yes, it can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Is alcohol considered a teratogen?
: A condition causing facial abnormalities, growth problems, and brain damage due to alcohol exposure.
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What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?
Avoid harmful substances, follow medical advice, and attend prenatal care.
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How can pregnant people reduce the risk of teratogen exposure?
The severity of the effect increases with the amount of exposure.
What does “dose-dependent” mean in relation to teratogens?
During which weeks is the heart most vulnerable to teratogens?
What is Weeks 3 to 6 of gestation.
Low birth weight, premature birth, and respiratory issues.
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What birth defects are linked to smoking during pregnancy?
It can impair brain development and cause learning and behavior problems.
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How can lead exposure affect a fetus?
Folic acid reduces risk of neural tube defects.
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: What role do prenatal vitamins play in preventing birth defects?
: What are two common ways teratogens enter the body?
Ingestion and inhalation (also through the skin or bloodstream).
Major organs are already formed; growth, not formation, is the focus.
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effects in the fetal period?
Name a prescription drug known to be a teratogen.
What is Thalidomide?
Birth defects like spina bifida, often linked to low folic acid.
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What are neural tube defects and how are they caused?
By offering guidance on safe medications, lifestyle choices, and risk factors.
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How can healthcare providers educate patients about teratogens?
A time when specific organs and systems are most vulnerable to teratogens
what is: What does “critical period” refer to in prenatal development?
The “all-or-nothing” effect – either no effect or spontaneous abortion.
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What usually happens if teratogen exposure occurs before implantation?
Rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), or Zika virus.
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What type of infection can be teratogenic?
Increases risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and attention issues.
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How does cocaine affect prenatal development?
Some drugs are only harmful at specific stages of fetal development.
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Why is timing of medical treatment important in pregnancy?
Dose, timing, genetics, and the mother’s health or environmen
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Name two factors that influence the effects of a teratogen.
: Because different systems develop at different times and have specific windows of vulnerability.
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Why is gestational age important in teratogen exposure?
A drug for morning sickness that caused limb deformities in the 1950s–60s.
What is thalidomide and what defects did it cause?
: A miscarriage; high levels of toxic exposure can cause early pregnancy loss.
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What is spontaneous abortion and how can teratogens play a role?
What government agency monitors teratogenic risks?
what is The Food and Drug Administration (FDA).