Teratogens: Environmental Sources of Birth Defects
Introduction
Children born with congenital disabilities encounter much stress in their lives. The burden is multiplied for parents who have to take care of a special child. The health and economic implications of children with congenital disabilities are, at times a significant burden to the caregivers. Studies show that at least 15% of congenital disabilities arise from environmental exposure to teratogens. Prenatal exposure to teratogens results in physical, mental, and cognitive developmental anomalies. Most of the teratogenic congenital disabilities are preventable. This topic caught my interest because it explains environmental sources of congenital disabilities and shows the possibility of preventing them.
What were the most important pieces of knowledge you gained related to this topic?
Types of teratogens
Many substances have the potential to affect the prenatal development of a fetus. Most of these substances and their effects are well known to the mothers. Others, however, may not be common knowledge. The knowledge gained from this topic brings awareness of the other potentially dangerous substances that many have little understanding of. One such substance is the secondary smoke of both tobacco and marijuana. Many people are aware of the harmful effects of smoking while pregnant. However, not many know that secondary smoke can have as significant an impact on the fetus as actual smoking. Therefore, living in the same space as someone who smokes is harmful to the fetus.
The defects they cause
It was interesting to learn that different teratogenic substances affect various organs of the body. The fetal stage of development also determines the severity and extent of the effect the teratogen exerts. When exposure to a teratogen occurs in the early stages of fetal development, the fetus can be destroyed, resulting in miscarriage. Exposure during the 2nd trimester results in defects in organ development. The type and dosage of the teratogen the mother was exposed to determine the affected organs. The mother’s state of health is also a huge determinant of the extent to which the fetus will be affected by the teratogen they are exposed to.
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I want to delve more into the factors that determine the extent to which environmental pollutants affect fetal development. Due to industrialization, environmental pollution has become a significant concern. The fact that pollutants also affect fetal development is worth further study. Studying the factors determining the extent to which fetal development is affected by pollution can help develop ways for pregnant women to protect themselves. Apart from the degree of exposure to environmental pollutants, the mother’s physiological status also determines the extent to which the fetus is affected. Exploring the conditions that improve the health status of the mother, protecting her and the child from pollutants, can advise other women on the same.
Conclusion
Congenital disabilities range from mental, cognitive to physical defects. Studying environmental sources of congenital disabilities shows that some congenital disabilities can be prevented. At least 15% of congenital disabilities are caused by exposure to teratogens. Understanding how teratogens affect the growth and development of a fetus can lead to understanding means of prevention.
References
Scheuerle, A. E., & Aylsworth, A. S. (2016, November). Birth defects and neonatal morbidity caused by teratogen exposure after the embryonic period. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27511745
Gilbert-Barness, E. (2010). Teratogenic Causes of Malformations. Retrieved from http://www.annclinlabsci.org/content/40/2/99.full