Teratogens

• Teratogens discussed


  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Maternal stress
  • Maternal diet
  • Maternal disease
• Alcohol


  • Easily crosses the placenta to the developing foetus
  • No alcohol consumption recommended during pregnancy
• Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)


  • Physical abnormalities
  • Growth deficiencies
  • Central nervous system problems
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Behavioural issues
• Alcohol-related cognitive or behavioural issues


  • Learning disabilities
  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Poor impulse control
  • Difficulties with social interactions
  • Memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving issues
• Alcohol-related physical abnormalities


  • Heart defects
  • Kidney abnormalities
  • Small head circumference
• Smoking


  • Chemicals in cigarettes including nicotine can pass through the placenta and affect the developing foetus
  • No smoking recommended during pregnancy
• Miscarriage


  • Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage
• Premature birth


  • Smoking increases the risk of premature birth
  • Can lead to respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, and infections
• Birth defects


  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Heart defects
  • Limb abnormalities
• Respiratory problems


  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)


  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a significant risk factor
• Low birth weight


  • Smoking during pregnancy is a leading cause
  • Higher risk for health complications
  • Respiratory problems
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Developmental delays