Teratogens Carolyn R. Fallahi, Ph. D.

The prenatal environment Teratogens: environmental agent  Drug  Chemical  Virus  Other factors  Can result in birth defects

The timing of the teratogen is important Timing is important  Brain days after conception  Heart days after conception

Mother’s Diet Diet high in nutrients  Easier labor  Generally healthier baby  World Food Council = 550 million hungry people in the world.

Mother’s Age Over 30 = increased risk  Premature birth  Lower birth weight  More likely Down syndrome  1/100 over 40  25% over 50

Mother’s Age Adolescence  20% premature deliveries  Mortality rates double for mothers in adolescence versus mothers in 20s  Issues; not enough money or social support; not enough prenatal care; parenting support

Mother’s Illness Rubella (German measles) prior to the 11 th week of pregnancy – blindness, deafness, heart defects, brain damage Chicken pox – birth defects Mumps – increase the risk of miscarriage

STDs STDs, e.g. syphilis, transmitted directly to the baby. Gonorrhea AIDS

Mother’s Drug Use Legal & Illegal drugs pose risks Aspirin Thalidomide Marijuana Cocaine Alcohol/Tobacco  FAS/FAE