Maureen Fitzpatrick
Teratogens and the Classes of Teratogens Teratogenesis, the development of a malformed fetus, is a topic that doctors continue to research in medicine. The purpose of this paper is to explain what a teratogen is and how it causes teratogenesis. There 4 classes of teratogens, that each has a different affect on a fetus. The later sections of this paper will talk about some ways to detect and prevent teratogenesis.
What is a Teratogen? A teratogen is the cause teratogenesis. It is a harmful substance or a disease that the mother comes into contact with during pregnancy. Teratogens can be in many different forms such as drugs, alcohol, medications, or a disease. Teratogens can cause birth defects, diseases in the child, or even end a pregnancy.
The development of a fetus follows a timeline and each part of the fetus …show more content…
“Currently, teratogenicity categorization consists of 5 classes: A, B, C, D, and X” (Schachter). Chemicals and Drugs that are in group A are the safest and probably will not affect the fetus. Class B have little evidence of risk, while Class C and Class D show animal evidence and human evidence but they benefits outweigh the negatives of the drug. Class X is a known teratogen that should not be taken while pregnant (Schachter).
Prevention of Teratogenesis Teratogenesis is a very important topic for doctors to research and for mothers to be aware of throughout their pregnancies. It is scary but there are many ways to prevent diseases and have a healthy pregnancy. Stanford Children’s Hospital made a list of Sound Advice for a Healthful Pregnancy. Women should visit their doctor regularly, stay physically active, and eat a balanced diet. They should not take medication without doctors ok, smoke, drink, or take illegal drugs. Lastly, according to Stanford doctors’ women should avoid saunas and hot tubs, exposure to toxic chemicals, and take vitamin B daily.
Teratogens and the Classes of Teratogens Teratogenesis, the development of a malformed fetus, is a topic that doctors continue to research in medicine. The purpose of this paper is to explain what a teratogen is and how it causes teratogenesis. There 4 classes of teratogens, that each has a different affect on a fetus. The later sections of this paper will talk about some ways to detect and prevent teratogenesis.
What is a Teratogen? A teratogen is the cause teratogenesis. It is a harmful substance or a disease that the mother comes into contact with during pregnancy. Teratogens can be in many different forms such as drugs, alcohol, medications, or a disease. Teratogens can cause birth defects, diseases in the child, or even end a pregnancy.
The development of a fetus follows a timeline and each part of the fetus …show more content…
“Currently, teratogenicity categorization consists of 5 classes: A, B, C, D, and X” (Schachter). Chemicals and Drugs that are in group A are the safest and probably will not affect the fetus. Class B have little evidence of risk, while Class C and Class D show animal evidence and human evidence but they benefits outweigh the negatives of the drug. Class X is a known teratogen that should not be taken while pregnant (Schachter).
Prevention of Teratogenesis Teratogenesis is a very important topic for doctors to research and for mothers to be aware of throughout their pregnancies. It is scary but there are many ways to prevent diseases and have a healthy pregnancy. Stanford Children’s Hospital made a list of Sound Advice for a Healthful Pregnancy. Women should visit their doctor regularly, stay physically active, and eat a balanced diet. They should not take medication without doctors ok, smoke, drink, or take illegal drugs. Lastly, according to Stanford doctors’ women should avoid saunas and hot tubs, exposure to toxic chemicals, and take vitamin B daily.