Teratogen

The end goal for any scientist is to find a problem, discover a way to solve it, create a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, and potentially succeed and share their discovery. This leads to advances in every industry, from medical equipment to efficient energy consumption, and even the field of psychology. The purpose behind developmental science is to better understand the factors that play a role in the formation of ourselves as individuals. One great example of a trend I am sure developmental scientists are watching closely is the effect and possible solutions to the problems created by the overuse of technology by our generation (21st century). I find great interest in any field that involves development, because development means there will …show more content…
A teratogen is an agent or factor that causes a mutation within an embryo. There are a few classifications for different types of teratogens including diseases, environmental, drugs, and maternal conditions. For diseases, an embryo could have different types of blood borne STDs mutate it including HIV, herpes, syphilis, and gonorrhea. The child will have a permanent hindrance to their ability to reproduce and enjoy the mental benefits to sexual activity. These teratogens are very important to discover early and treated. Next, drugs. Drugs (including alcohol) are absolutely necessary for a mother to avoid during pregnancy. One of my close friends was adopted, but his biological mother was addicted to cocaine during the pregnancy. When she was arrested, the police continued giving her cocaine as it was determined that he would not survive in her womb if she was kept away from the drug. When he was born, he was also given small doses as he had developed a dependence on cocaine while in the womb. Other children are not as lucky as he was. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is caused when a mother drinks during pregnancy. This particular teratogen enrages me, as it is …show more content…
Typically a good bit of sleep/rest, time passing, and support from the family will eliminate these negative feelings. In some cases, however, these negative feelings stick around for a while after the baby is born; this is known as postpartum depression. Yes, depression after a cute little baby is born. In reality, babies require an incredible amount of preparation, mental stability, and emotional strength for a long while after they are born. Cute, sometimes. A mother’s job is incredibly difficult, which some families do not realize. I can definitely understand how the magnitude of the mother’s job can lead to depression after birth. Having a family who focuses more on the future tasks as opposed to helping the mother recuperating from the nine month prenatal period certainly wouldn’t help the situation. In extreme cases, a mother can develop a condition known as postpartum psychosis. If I had to make a guess (which after researching, is a correct assumption), I would say that this occurs most frequently in single mothers, as they typically lack the necessary amount of support to help with the issues that can arise in motherhood. Postpartum psychosis is defined as extreme postpartum depression, which can include thoughts of harming herself (the mother) or the child. In terms of treatment for these postpartum problems, the most important part is to talk to a