P6-A-Common-teratogens

Teratogen: A substance that interferes with normal fetal development and causes congenital disabilities.
- Exposure can occur through ingestion or environmental factors during pregnancy.
- Can begin affecting the developing embryo as early as 10 to 14 days after conception.

Substances that induce abortion.
- Mifepristone: Causes breakdown of uterine lining; a follow-up dose of Misoprostol induces expulsion of the embryo.
- Methotrexate: Injected to block rapid cell division in embryonic and placental tissues.

Alcohol: Causes fetal alcohol syndrome; affects central nervous system, leading to growth deficiencies and specific facial abnormalities.
Tobacco: Nicotine constricts uterine blood vessels, decreases O2 and nutrient supply to the embryo.
Tetracycline: Can stain teeth and affect bone growth.
Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A): Associated with craniofacial dysmorphism and cleft palate when taken in critical pregnancy weeks.
Thalidomide: Known for causing limb abnormalities and other severe effects when taken during critical periods after fertilization.
Chemotherapeutic Agents: Can cause intrauterine growth retardation due to inhibition of rapidly dividing cells.
Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin): Can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and microcephaly.

If contracted in early pregnancy, can lead to congenital varicella syndrome, manifesting as skin scars and limb abnormalities.
- Neonatal varicella risk if contracted around delivery.

Significant risks between weeks 3-6, including congenital heart disease and gastrointestinal disorders for the fetus.

Can restrict fetal movement leading to complications such as congenital dislocation of the hip and clubfoot.

Found in many plastics; potential teratogenic effects are not fully understood.
- Exposure during the last trimester may lead to behavioral changes in newborns; more research is needed.

Not a teratogen, but should be limited to 200 mg/day due to its stimulant effects that can impact fetal blood pressure and heart rate.

Abortion: Expulsion of a fetus from the uterus before it reaches viability (usually about 20 weeks).

Induced Abortion: Purposefully performed for various reasons:
- To preserve the mother's life or well-being.
- Following rape or incest.
- To prevent birth of a child with serious deformities or genetic disorders.
- Economic or social reasons.
Spontaneous Abortion: Known as a miscarriage; occurs for reasons like disease, trauma, or genetic defects.
Medical Abortion: Uses medicines to end pregnancy (e.g., mifepristone, misoprostol).
Procedural Abortion: Surgical removal of the pregnancy (e.g., vacuum aspiration).

Mifepristone: Taken in the first 10 weeks; effective for 98% of pregnancies.
- Blocks progesterone, causes endometrium to shed.
Misoprostol: Taken 24-48 hours later to induce contractions and expulsion of the pregnancy.
Side effects: heavy bleeding, cramping, possible fever; seek urgent care if bleeding is excessive or pain persists.

Swelling, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vaginal bleeding, Persistent vomiting, Visual changes, Escape of vaginal fluids

Folic Acid: Reduces risk of neural tube defects (400 mcg – 1 mg daily).
Vitamin D: Essential for hormone development; common deficiency can affect fertility.
Fish Oil: Supports brain development; improves fertility by increasing egg quality.
Coenzyme Q10: May improve egg quality and uterine health; especially for women over 40.
Selenium: Helps promote healthy uterine follicles; deficiencies can lead to miscarriages.
Vitamin E: Aids in cell repair and supports egg quality; recommended for women trying to conceive.
Glutathione: Protects eggs from oxidative stress, crucial for healthy egg development.

Folic Acid: Improves sperm health and reduces risks related to offspring.
CoQ10: Increases sperm count and morphology.
Selenium: Enhances sperm motility; deficiencies can lead to infertility.
Zinc: Vital for immune function and sperm quality; low levels correlate with poor sperm counts.
Fish Oil: Beneficial omega-3s improve sperm quality.