How the timing of exposure to a teratogen is significant?

How the timing of exposure to a teratogen is significant?

The timing of the exposure: Structures in the body are vulnerable to the most severe damage when they are forming. If a substance is introduced during a particular structure’s critical period (time of development), the damage to that structure may be greater.

What is the most common teratogen worldwide?

Exposure to alcohol in utero is the most common teratogenic cause of developmental disabilities, including microcephaly, cognitive disability, learning disabilities, ADHD and behavioural challenges. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) occurs worldwide in approximately 1.9 per 1000 live births.

Is a virus a teratogen?

Many viruses can be transmitted to the fetus and cause infection and tissure damage. Five viruses are known to be teratogenic in humans: cytomegalovirus, rubella, herpes simplex, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and varicella viruses.

When is the critical period of exposure to teratogens?

The critical period of exposure appears to be from the second to the fifth week of gestation. The most common malformations include craniofacial dysmorphisms, cleft palate, thymic aplasia, and neural tube defects. The tranquilizer thalidomide is one of the most famous and notorious teratogens.

When to talk to your doctor about teratogens?

Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about being exposed to a particular medication, chemical, or infection during pregnancy. Researchers believe a teratogen can affect a developing fetus about 10 to14 days after conception.

When does a teratogen start to affect a fetus?

The majority of agents that people come into contact with aren’t proven teratogens. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about being exposed to a particular medication, chemical, or infection during pregnancy. Researchers believe a teratogen can affect a developing fetus about 10 to14 days after conception.

Which is the best description of a teratogen?

A teratogen is any agent that can induce or increase the incidence of a congenital malformation. Recognition of human teratogens offers the opportunity to prevent exposure at critical periods of development and prevent certain types of congenital malformations.