What are the Teratology and hazards of prenatal development?

Prenatal risk factors include chronic maternal illness, certain maternal infections, toxin exposures and nutritional deficiencies. Risk factors in the perinatal period include pregnancy-related complications, prematurity and low birth weight, and infection exposure during pregnancy or at time of birth.

What are the 3 hazards to prenatal development?

There are many potential hazards to the prenatal development of an unborn child. Many of these potential hazards are related to drug, alcohol or tobacco use. An example is fetal alcohol syndrome. Maternal diseases and environmental concerns, such as exposure to radiation, are also hazards.

Which stage of prenatal development is most vulnerable to hazards?

As in the case of the germinal period, often the mother does not yet know that she is pregnant. It is during this stage that the major structures of the body are taking form making the embryonic period the time when the organism is most vulnerable to the greatest amount of damage if exposed to harmful substances.

What are examples of teratogens?

A teratogen is something that can cause birth defects or abnormalities in a developing embryo or fetus upon exposure. Teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, health problems such as uncontrolled diabetes in pregnant people.

What are some teratogens in pregnancy?

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 the hazards during zygote period?

In this stage, all the major organs form, and the embryo becomes very fragile. The biggest dangers are teratogens, which are agents such as viruses, drugs, or radiation that can cause deformities in an embryo or fetus.

What is a potential hazard?

A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone. Basically, a hazard is the potential for harm or an adverse effect (for example, to people as health effects, to organizations as property or equipment losses, or to the environment).

What happens during the prenatal stage?

This period of development begins during the ninth week and lasts until birth. This stage is marked by amazing change and growth. The early body systems and structures established in the embryonic stage continue to develop. The neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord and neurons continue to form.

How do teratogens affect prenatal development?

As a baby grows in the womb, teratogens may affect parts of the baby’s body as they are forming. For example, the neural tube closes in the first 3 to 5 weeks of the pregnancy. During this time, teratogens can cause neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

What are some of the hazards of prenatal development?

Disease and Environment. Maternal diseases and environmental concerns are also factors that can harm prenatal development. Maternal diseases and infections can produce defects. Prenatal development can be impacted by factors such as Rh factor incompatibility, high blood pressure, diabetes, rubella and some sexually transmitted diseases.

What are the three psychological hazards of pregnancy?

The three important psychological hazards are traditional beliefs about prenatal development, maternal stress during the period and unfavourable attitude towards the unborn child on the part of people who will play significant roles in the child’s life.

What happens during the 28 week prenatal period?

At 28 weeks of pregnancy, the brain activity resembles that of a sleeping baby. Following this until birth, the baby keeps growing, and the lungs start to expand and contract, preparing the body to breathe after birth. The foetal period of prenatal development is of intense growth, and hence, is very sensitive to certain conditions.

Are there any problems during the foetal period?

The foetal period of prenatal development is of intense growth, and hence, is very sensitive to certain conditions. There are the general problems one might observe during this stage: 1. Genetic Problems