Do we really know about things that are harmful to the baby (teratogens) during pregnancy?

If you are a mother-to-be, your whole world revolves around the little one in your womb. How hard do you work to give him the best, to protect him from all dangers? But without us knowing, there are some things that can harm our baby. These can be in our food, medicine, or even in the environment we live in. There is a special name for those things in medicine. It is called 'teratogens'. We are talking about this today.

What are these teratogens?

Simply put, this is anything that, if ingested by the mother during pregnancy, could interfere with the development of the fetus and cause birth defects (congenital disorders). These could include medications, chemicals, certain infections, and drugs. These can sometimes increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or even severe conditions like stillbirth.

Among the causes of birth defects, exposure to teratogens accounts for between 4% and 5% of birth defects. This is a risk that can be prevented if we are aware.

What determines how dangerous these things are?

Imagine a pregnant mother being exposed to something like this. The harm it causes to the baby is not the same for everyone. It depends on several factors.

• Type of harmful substance: Some medications and chemicals are more dangerous than others.
• Duration of exposure: This means how long you were exposed to the substance.
• Amount of exposure (dose): Exposure to a large amount is more harmful than exposure to a small amount.
• Pregnancy stage: This is very important. The baby's organs begin to form in the early weeks of pregnancy. The potential harm from exposure to this type of thing is greatest during that time.
• Hereditary factors: Sometimes, genetic influences from the mother or father can increase the risk to the child.

What are the most common types of teratogens we see?

Let's now look at the things we encounter in our daily lives that can harm a baby. I will present these in a table in an easy-to-understand way.

Let's talk a little more about medicine.

You may be worried about taking medication during pregnancy. You may be wondering, "Is this medicine good for the baby?" That's understandable. The most important thing here is to follow your doctor's instructions. Sometimes, a medicine that is essential for the mother's life or health has to be given, even if there is a slight risk to the baby. For example, if a mother with epilepsy stops taking her medicine, the potential harm to the mother and baby is much greater than the harm from the medicine. Therefore, the doctor weighs the risks to both the mother and the baby and makes the best decision with the lowest risk.

At what stage of pregnancy are these most harmful?

In fact, exposure to these substances at any time during pregnancy is harmful. However, the greatest risk and harm occurs during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the baby's major organs, such as the brain, heart, limbs, and spine, are beginning to form during this time. If something harmful enters the body during the most delicate time of these organ formations, it can directly affect the development of those organs and cause serious birth defects.

For example, conditions called Neural Tube Defects (NTDs), which are conditions where the neural tube where the baby's brain and spinal cord form does not close properly, can occur as early as 5 weeks into pregnancy. That's why we say to be careful from the time you're planning to get pregnant.

What birth defects can be caused by these teratogens?

There are many types of disabilities that can result from these. Some are visible at birth, while others are only discovered as the child grows older. Some of the main disabilities that can be seen are:

• Brain or spinal cord problems: For example, serious conditions such as anencephaly, where the brain does not develop properly.
• Physical or structural deformities: Malformed limbs, small bones, or missing body parts.
• Cleft lip and palate.
• Intellectual disabilities or nervous system problems: learning difficulties, behavioral problems.
• Heart problems: Holes in the heart or other complex heart conditions.

So how do we protect our babies from these dangers?

This is very important. If you keep these points in mind, you can greatly reduce this risk.

The best thing to do is to plan a pregnancy if possible. Then you can take control of your health, stop smoking if you smoke, and talk to your doctor to make any necessary changes.

But not all pregnancies are planned. So be aware of these things from the day you find out you're pregnant.

• Talk to your doctor about every medication you take: whether it's a vitamin, a Panadol pill, or an Ayurvedic medicine. Tell them everything.
• Stop alcohol, cigarettes, and all other drugs completely: There is no such thing as "a little bit is okay" or "one cigarette is okay" during pregnancy. The safest amount is zero.
• Avoid picking up cat feces: Ask someone else in the house to do this task, as it can spread an infection called toxoplasmosis.
• Avoid excessive heat: Stay away from things that greatly increase your body temperature, such as hot tubs and saunas.
• Be careful with your diet: Avoid eating large fish (such as tuna, mackerel) that are high in mercury. Do not eat undercooked meat, fish, or raw eggs.
• Be aware of your workplace: If you work with chemicals, heavy metals, or radiation, talk to your boss and doctor about it and switch to a safer job that is suitable for pregnancy.

Protecting your unborn baby from these harmful substances is one of the biggest things you can do to help ensure a healthy baby is born. The first step is to be aware that these substances exist and that they affect your baby's development. Then, by staying away from them, you can give your baby the best start in life.

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