Teratogenic agents include infectious agents (rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis, etc.); physical agents (ionizing agents, hyperthermia); maternal health factors (diabetes, maternal PKU); environmental chemicals (organic mercury compounds, polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB,

What are 4 teratogens?

Teratogens are classified into four types: physical agents, metabolic conditions, infection, and finally, drugs and chemicals.

What is the most famous teratogen?

Perhaps the most famous (or infamous) teratogen is thalidomide, a sedative that was taken by thousands of pregnant women during the early 1960s. Sometimes, however, the deleterious effect of a teratogen does not appear until many years after the mother has been exposed.

What are natural teratogens?

By classifying vitamins, minerals and herbs as food supplements rather than drugs, the bill reduced FDA’s control over them. There are basically three sources of natural teratogens: foods we consume, drugs we are medicated with, and natural products.

Is caffeine a teratogen?

Conclusions: There is no evidence to support a teratogenic effect of caffeine in humans. Current epidemiologic evidence is not adequate to assess the possibility of a small change in risk of congenital anomalies resulting from maternal caffeine consumption.

Is diabetes a teratogen?

Abstract. Maternal diabetes mellitus is one of the strongest human teratogens. Despite recent advances in the fields of clinical embryology, experimental teratology and preventive medicine, diabetes-related perturbations of the maternofetal unit maintain a considerable impact on the Healthcare System.

Is folic acid a teratogen?

Abstract. Nutritional deficiencies are preventable etiological and epigenetic factors causing congenital abnormalities, first cause of infant mortality. Folate deficiency has a well-established teratogenic effect, leading to an increasing risk of neural tube defects.

How is alcohol a teratogen?

Alcohol is a teratogen, an environmental agent that impacts the normal development of an embryo or fetus. In addition to dose-related concerns, factors such as maternal genetics and metabolism and the timing of alcohol exposure during prenatal development also impact alcohol-related birth defects.

What are chemical teratogens?

A teratogen is an agent that can cause malformations of an embryo or fetus. This can be a chemical substance, a virus or ionizing radiation. This is closely related to a fetotoxin, an agent that causes poisoning effects on a developing fetus.

Why is thalidomide teratogenic?

Here we demonstrate that loss of immature blood vessels is the primary cause of thalidomide-induced teratogenesis and provide an explanation for its action at the cell biological level. Antiangiogenic but not antiinflammatory metabolites/analogues of thalidomide induce chick limb defects.

Is a hormone a teratogen?

The widespread use of hormonal contraceptives for a prolonged time in women during the child-bearing period necessitates that appropriate precautions be taken to ensure safety for the patient as well as for her progeny. Hormonal administration during or prior to pregnancy may be potentially teratogenic.

What are teratogenic drugs?

Drugs that can cause birth defects are said to be ‘teratogenic drugs’. Medical science cannot always predict how exposure to a teratogenic drug will affect a developing fetus. It can be dangerous for a pregnant woman to stop taking prescription drugs if she has a medical condition or becomes ill.

What birth defects are caused by teratogens?

These include cleft palate, heart defects, abnormalities of the outer ears, and underdevelopment of the lower jaw. Isotretinoin is also linked with neural tube defects. Some types of tranquilizers, such as phenothiazine and lithium, are thought to be teratogens.

Is nicotine a teratogenic?

For example, some studies have found that nicotine alone causes developmental abnormalities in animals. In vitro studies have suggested teratogenic effects of nicotine exposure. The vasoconstrictive effect of nicotine could negatively affect fetal development.

How do I turn my man on during pregnancy?

Spooning: Spooning is an excellent sex position for a pregnant woman as it relieves pressure on your uterus and lower back. Because penetration is usually shallower in a spooning position, it can be especially useful if you find deep penetration uncomfortable during pregnancy.

Are viruses teratogens?

Many viruses can be transmitted to the fetus and cause infection and tissure damage. Five viruses are known to be teratogenic in humans: cytomegalovirus, rubella, herpes simplex, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and varicella viruses.