What are teratogenic substances?

What are teratogenic substances?

Teratogens are substances or other factors that can cause congenital abnormalities, which are also called birth defects. Usually these abnormalities arise in the third to eighth weeks of pregnancy, when the major organ systems are forming.

What is a non Teratocgen?

A teratogen is any agent that disrupts a baby’s development when a person is exposed to it during pregnancy. Known teratogens include alcohol, smoking, toxic chemicals, radiation, viruses, some maternal health conditions, and certain prescription drugs.

What is an example of a non teratogen health issue?

Microwave ovens use nonionizing radiation. This type of radiation is not teratogenic. Microwaving food while pregnant is not known to increase the risk for birth defects or health problems.

What are teratogenic drugs examples?

Antibiotics tetracycline (Achromycin), and doxycycline (Vibramycin), and streptomycin. Anticoagulant (blood-thinner) warfarin (Coumadin).

Which drugs produce teratogenic effects except?

Acne medication isotretinoin (Accutane, Retin-A). Alcohol ingested chronically or in binges. Androgens (male hormones). Antibiotics tetracycline (Achromycin), and doxycycline (Vibramycin), and streptomycin.

What substances should I avoid during pregnancy?

Chemicals to avoid when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Pesticides and herbicides. Some pesticides (bug killers) and herbicides (weed killers) are known to affect developing and newborn babies.
  • Cleaning products.
  • Paint.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Mercury.
  • Arsenic-treated timber.
  • Nail polish.
  • Paint and lead-based products.

Is vitamin A teratogenic?

High dose vitamin A have a potent teratogenic effect and are therefore contra-indicated during pregnancy. Isotretinoin is responsible for a syndrome including malformations of the central nervous system, heart and thymus, together with craniofacial defects.

Is alcohol a teratogen?

Both alcohol and its primary metabolite, acetaldehyde, are teratogenic. Exposure during pregnancy may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and this is said to occur in a substantial proportion of infants born to mothers who are chronic, heavy daily drinkers.

Which category is teratogenic?

Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal, or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Which drug is not teratogenic?

Examples of non-teratogenic agents: spermicides, acetaminophen, prenatal vitamins, using a microwave to cook food. A non-teratogenic agent is one which does not cause birth defects.

Which of the following drugs is teratogenic in nature?

What is the most harmful substance for a fetus?

“Street” Drugs Cocaine is one of the most harmful drugs to unborn babies. Cocaine can cause a woman to miscarry and may cause preterm birth, bleeding, fetal death and fetal strokes, which can lead to brain damage and death.

Is beta-carotene teratogenic?

In summary strong evidence exits that the human fetus expresses COMI which cleaves beta carotene into retinoids and that fetal beta carotene storage is limited. These deductions support the proposition that an increase in fetal beta carotene exposure could increase teratogenic fetal retinoic acid burden.

Is alcohol A teratogen?

What are the five categories of potential teratogenic drugs?

FDA classifies various drugs used in pregnancy into five categories, categories A, B, C, D and X. Category A is considered the safest category and category X is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. This provides therapeutic guidance for the clinician.

What is an example of a non teratogenic drug?

Various agents have been determined to not cause birth defects and are known as non- teratogenic agents. Examples of non- teratogenic agents that are commonly mistaken for teratogens include spermicides, acetaminophen, and prenatal vitamins.

What is a non-teratogenic agent?

A non-teratogenic agent is one which does not cause birth defects. What are some examples of non-teratogenic agents? Spermicides are agents which impair the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg. This means that spermicides never even get to the developing pregnancy, since their job is to prevent pregnancy to begin with.

What is a teratogen?

A teratogen is any agent that causes an abnormality following fetal exposure during pregnancy. Teratogens are usually discovered after an increased prevalence of a particular birth defect.

What are teratogens in prenatal substance abuse?

Appendix DTeratogens/Prenatal Substance Abuse A teratogen is any agent that causes an abnormality following fetal exposure during pregnancy. Teratogens are usually discovered after an increased prevalence of a particular birth defect. For example, in the early 1960’s, a drug known as thalidomide was used to treat morning sickness.