For this assignment you will review an article and write a s

For this assignment, you will review an article and write a short paper on teratogens and the effects on prenatal development. First, choose a peer-reviewed article on teratogens and the effects on prenatal development. After reviewing the article, analyze the content, and find additional scholarly, credible sources to write a paper on teratogens and the effects on prenatal development including the following sections and content. - Include a description of the teratogens and the possible effects of teratogens on prenatal development - How the effect(s) might change depending on other factors, such as level of exposure and the prenatal stage of exposure. - Include information on how the teratogens affect might be observed. - How can the information presented in the sources be used in real life settings/applications? What more can be done to reduce the effects of teratogens on prenatal development? The paper will be a minimum 600-words using at least two scholarly resources, other than the textbook. The peer-reviewed article can be one of those scholarly resources. APA formatting is required.

Solution

A teratogen is any environmental substance or any biological, chemical, or physical agent that can have a detrimental effect on a developing fetus. The exposure to teratogens during the prenatal stage can significantly raise the risk of birth defects.
In the early 1960’s, the drug thalidomide was used for treating morning sickness which resulted in the cases of phocomelia. Teratogenic agents include infectious agents such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis; or physical agents such as ionizing agents, hyperthermia; or maternal health factors such as diabetes, maternal PKU; or environmental chemicals such as organic mercury compounds, polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB, herbicides and industrial solvents); and drugs.
Alcohol is a common drug abused by women of childbearing age. Infants born to alcoholic mothers demonstrate prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, mental retardation, and other malformations. Tetracycline can cross the placental membrane and is deposited in the embryo in bones and teeth. This can cause yellow staining of the deciduous tooth and diminished growth of long bones.
The best way to reduce the risk of exposure to teratogens during pregnancy is to avoid taking medications when possible and to avoid exposure excessive heat, herbal treatments, ionizing radiation, alcohol, antibiotics and cocaine. Every medication to be taken during pregnancy should be prescribed by the doctor only.