Minor Concept Summary: Teratogens

ED 304: Ed Psych and Human Development

Author: Natalie Peck

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Disclosure: ChatGPT3 was used in the creation of this resource.

Summary

     A teratogen is something that can cause harm to a developing baby during pregnancy, potentially leading to birth defects or other abnormalities. They include various environmental agents such as certain medications, chemicals, infectious agents, and maternal lifestyle factors like smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Exposure to teratogens during critical periods of fetal development can have long-lasting and potentially harmful effects on the developing baby.

Teratogens

     Teratogenic effects may occur in the developing fetus when the mother is exposed to a substance, or when the fetus is directly exposed to a substance during development. Examples of teratogens include certain medications (for example ACE inhibitors), infectious agents, and illicit drugs.

      One well-known teratogen is alcohol, which can cause a range of birth defects known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol can cause physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems in a developing fetus, and there is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy.

     Similarly, the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and marijuana during pregnancy has been linked to several negative outcomes in offspring, including low birth weight, structural abnormalities, and death. It is important for pregnant women to be aware of these potential risks and to take steps to avoid exposure to known teratogens whenever possible.

     Caffeine, stress, certain diseases (like HIV and Syphilis), aspirin, environmental factors (like hot tubs or radiation from an x-ray), and even vitamin A are some lesser-known teratogenic or possible teratogenic factors. Although caffeine isn’t yet ruled a teratogen, there have been studies saying that it does affect pregnancy. “Caffeine is a drug which easily crosses the placental barrier and enters the fetal circulation. To date, most studies that demonstrate caffeine's teratogenic potential have been conducted in animal models. Although no definite relationship in humans has been confirmed, it is suggested that a pregnant woman should limit or discontinue her intake of caffeine (Worthington-Roberts & Weigle, 1982).”

     Vitamin A, in high amounts, has been linked to birth defects and other fetal complications, thus listing it as a teratogen. Hot tubs give prolonged or excessive heat which can increase the body temperature of the mother. Elevated maternal body temperature, especially during the first trimester, has been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects and other developmental abnormalities in the baby. 

     Teratogens can be avoided and/or prevented. To do this, it is important to take certain precautions. You should consult with healthcare professionals, such as doctors or obstetricians, to discuss potential risks and precautions during pregnancy; be mindful of medication use; avoid harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and certain chemicals or toxins; minimize exposure to hazardous substances in the environment, such as lead or mercury; maintain a healthy lifestyle; practice good hygiene; educate yourself by staying informed about potential teratogens; and plan for a healthy pregnancy–take steps to optimize your health beforehand, such as getting regular check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Quiz Questions

Which of the following are the potential effects of a teratogen?

1. Death
2. Low birth weight
3. Neural defects
4. All of the above

Select all that apply Teratogens are agents that can cause birth defects in a developing fetus during pregnancy. Examples of teratogens include:

1. Alcohol
2. Certain medications
3. Infectious diseases
4. Environmental toxins
5. Average Stress Levels
6. Poor Nutrition 

Which of the following is a known teratogen associated with neural tube defects in the developing fetus?

1. Vitamin D
2. Vitamin B12 
3. Folic Acid
4. Vitamin A