Week 13: Teratogens

"A teratogen is something that can cause birth defects or abnormalities in a developing embryo or fetus upon exposure. Teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, health problems such as uncontrolled diabetes in pregnant people. Exposure to a teratogen can occur through ingestion or environmental exposure during pregnancy."

Causes/Chemicals/Materials	Side Effects
Maternal Stress	​1) premature birth 2) low birth weight 3) resulting in overall health problems
Maternal Nutrition	1) physical and intellectual development and performance in school 2) child may suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, poor immune system or depression. 3)
Tabacco	1) health problems (ie. obesity) 2) behaviour problems, attention disorders, poor impulse control, hyperactivity, and problems related to crime and drug abuse 3) sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory problems (such as asthma), and infections (such as ear infections) happen more often among newborns exposed to second-hand smoke 4) higher risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and premature delivery 5) weigh less, are smaller in height, and have smaller heads and brains

BEST START: E31-A.pdf (beststart.org) The Sacred Journey from Preconception to Parenting for First Nations Families in Ontario

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