PSY Mod 2 Pt 6

Teratogen

An environmental agent or exposure that can interfere with normal prenatal development.

Period of highest risk for severe developmental damage

Approximately the first three months (first trimester) of prenatal development.

Factors influencing the severity of teratogen impact

Timing of exposure, dosage, length or frequency of exposure, genetic susceptibility, and characteristics of the fetus.

Critical periods in prenatal development

Specific timeframes during which particular organs and body systems are especially vulnerable to environmental disruption.

Primary cause of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Prenatal alcohol exposure.

Effects associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Physical, cognitive, learning, behavioral, and impulse-control problems, including lower IQ scores and poor judgment.

Prenatal risks associated with smoking

Low birth weight, preterm birth, and potential triggers for premature labor.

Risks associated with prenatal drug exposure

Interference with fetal growth, premature birth, neonatal withdrawal, and potential long-term developmental difficulties.

Prenatal risks associated with lead exposure

Low birth weight and slowed neurological development.

Prenatal risks associated with pesticide exposure

Congenital disabilities, learning problems, low birth weight, miscarriage, and premature birth.

Prenatal risks associated with BPA exposure

Disruption of particular gene actions and potential developmental issues.

Threat of maternal infections during pregnancy

Complications arising when infections affect the developing child during pregnancy or delivery.

Toxoplasmosis

An infection transmitted via undercooked/raw meat, unwashed produce, soil, or cat feces that can threaten prenatal development.

Impact of advanced maternal age on prenatal development

Increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus.

Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)

A chromosomal abnormality strongly associated with increasing maternal age.

Role of paternal factors in prenatal development

Paternal characteristics and exposures can also directly affect the health and development of the fetus.