TERATOGENS AND HAZARDS TO PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Tetracycline

antibiotic drug that kills foreign bacteria in the body by inhibiting protein synthesis

Cocaine

this can be associated with spontaneous abortion, delayed growth, premature labor, low birth weight, small head size and impaired connectivity of the thalamus and prefrontal cortex in newborns

Teratogen

is an agent (such as a virus, a drug, or radiation), that can interfere with normal prenatal develop that can possibly cause a birth defect

fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

is characterized by a combination of retarded growth, face and body malformations, and disorders of the central nervous system

Nicotine

smoking by pregnant women can lead to preterm births and low birth weights, fetal and neonatal deaths, respiratory problems, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, also known as crib death)

Phenytoin

anti-seizure mecicine

Warfain

anti-coagulant treatment for blood clots

Benzodiazepines/barbiturates

treatment of panic attacks, seizures, depression

Valproic Acid

epilepsy and migraine headaches

Thalidomide

cancers and skin conditions

Psychoactive Drugs

act on the nervous system to alter states of consciousness, modify perceptions, and change moods

Marijuana

can lead to lower intelligence in children, alteration of brain functioning in the fetus and low birth weight and greater likelihood of being placed in a neonatal intensive care unit

Heroin

this can lead to behavioral difficulties at birth, include withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, irritability, abnormal crying, disturbed sleep, and impaired motor control