Are you aware of things that can harm your unborn baby? (Teratogens) Let's talk about this!

If you are a mother-to-be, you probably think a lot about the safety of your unborn child. In fact, some things you are exposed to during pregnancy can harm your baby. Today we are going to talk about such things, which in medical science we call 'teratogens'.

What is this teratogen?

Simply put, teratogens are substances that, if ingested or exposed to during pregnancy, can cause congenital disorders in your developing embryo or fetus. These can include medications, chemicals , certain infections, and toxic substances. Teratogens can increase the risk of miscarriage , premature birth, or even stillbirth .

How is the danger of a teratogen determined?

Now, how dangerous exposure to a teratogen is depends on several factors:

• It doesn't matter what kind of medicine, substance, or poison it is. Not everything has the same effect.
• How long were you exposed to it? A short time, days, months?
• The amount (dose or amount) of exposure. Small amount or large amount?
• The gestational age is the number of weeks the baby was in the womb when exposed. This is because there are periods when the baby's various organs develop.
• Hereditary factors can increase a baby's risk. Sometimes there may be genetic influences.

Therefore, it is best to stay away from these types of teratogens throughout pregnancy as much as possible. However, exposure to them during certain periods of a baby's development can be particularly harmful .

How common are birth defects caused by teratogens?

Studies have shown that between 4% and 5% of birth defects are caused by exposure to teratogens. And exposure to these teratogens has also been found to affect the child's intellectual and physical development . So, this is not something to be taken lightly, right?

What are examples of teratogens?

Teratogens are substances that can harm a baby during pregnancy. Studies have shown that they can cause birth defects, increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or other pregnancy complications . Let's look at some of the main examples.

Alcohol, cigarettes, and recreational drugs

These are the types of teratogens that most people are familiar with.

• Alcohol: Alcohol affects the baby's central nervous system . Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of a condition called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. This can cause the baby to have unusual facial features, a small head and brain, and other physical and behavioral problems.

There is no amount of alcohol that can be considered safe during pregnancy.

• Cigarettes: Smoking can cause fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Smoking also damages the baby's sensitive lung tissue and brain.
• Drugs: Drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, and marijuana used during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, heart problems, and a condition called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Drug withdrawal is the discomfort that occurs when a baby is given birth. Also, sharing needles can cause infections.

Medications

Some over-the-counter and prescription medications are considered teratogens. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. When buying over-the-counter medications or supplements, read the label carefully. If you have any concerns about the safety of a substance, talk to your doctor right away. It is best to stop using it until you have received his or her advice.

Some examples of drugs that can be teratogenic are:

• Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
• Antimicrobials
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• Antithyroid medications
• Vitamin A (common in some skin creams)
• Hormonal medication

Imagine, you have epilepsy, and you take a medicine like `(Phenytoin)` for it. It can have adverse effects on the baby, but that medicine may be essential for your life. In times like these, doctors weigh the pros and cons of taking the medicine and make decisions that will have the least risk during pregnancy.

How is the safety of medications classified during pregnancy?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed a system to classify the risks of drugs during pregnancy. It had five categories: A, B, C, D, and X.

In 2015, a new system called the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) was introduced. This removed the previous letter categories. The PLLR system provides doctors with the relative information they need to make decisions when treating pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. It takes into account many more factors and presents the data in a better context for doctors.

The best thing to do is to let your prenatal care provider decide on the safety of a medication based on their expertise.

Infections and viruses

Infections, viruses, parasites, and other bacterial diseases can pose a serious threat to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. The acronym `(TORCH)` helps to classify some of these infections:

• T – `(Toxoplasmosis)` (an infection spread by cat feces)
• O – Other infections – for example, Group B Streptococcus, Listeria, Candida and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• R – `(Rubella)` (Rubella)
• C – `(Cytomegalovirus – CMV)` (Cytomegalovirus)
• H – `(Herpes Simplex Virus)` (Herpes Simplex Virus)
• In addition to this, diseases like `(Syphilis)` can also fall into this category.

Other infections and viruses that can cause complications during pregnancy or problems for the baby include:

• Chickenpox and shingles
• Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and other viral hepatitis
• HIV `(HIV)`
• Fifth disease

Environmental toxins, chemicals, or other physical factors

Some chemicals and toxins can cause birth defects. These birth defects can include spina bifida, cleft palate, or nervous system problems. Some examples of these toxins or chemicals include:

• Exposure to radiation (e.g., from X-rays) or chemotherapy
• Hot tubs, saunas, or other heat sources that increase your body temperature
• Mercury (found in some types of fish)
• Lead (can be found in paint and pipes in older homes)
• Toxic chemicals or heavy metals in the workplace or manufacturing plants

Chronic medical conditions

Some chronic illnesses you have can also increase your baby's risk of birth defects. Examples include diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The increased risk of exposure to teratogens usually comes from medications used to treat these conditions, or from poorly controlled medical conditions.

It's important to talk to your doctor about any pre-existing conditions you have and the medications you take for them. You may also need to change the way you manage your chronic conditions during pregnancy.

When is exposure to teratogens during pregnancy worst?

Exposure to teratogens is harmful at any time during pregnancy. However, the risk is slightly higher during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. This is because many of the baby's organs and systems are developing during this time, making the baby more sensitive to the harmful effects of teratogens. Studies have shown that teratogens can affect the baby as early as two weeks after conception, when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

For example, neural tube defects (NTDs) occur before five weeks of pregnancy. The neural tube is where the brain and spinal cord form. NTDs occur when the neural tube does not close properly. This can cause a variety of birth defects.

What birth defects do teratogens cause?

Teratogens are known to cause many birth defects. Some of the most common are:

• Problems with the brain or spinal cord, for example, partial or complete absence of the brain (anencephaly)
• Physical or structural deformities, e.g., small bones or missing body parts
• Cleft lip and palate
• Intellectual disabilities or nervous system problems (cognitive impairment)
• Cardiovascular issues or heart disease

How to avoid teratogens during pregnancy?

The best way to avoid teratogens is to plan ahead, if possible. When planning for pregnancy, you can manage chronic conditions and make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking.

However, this is not always possible. Once you become pregnant, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of exposure to teratogens:

• Talk to your doctor about any medications you take.
• Completely avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
• Do not take any nutritional supplements, over-the-counter medications, or prescription medications without consulting your doctor.
• Avoid cleaning cat litter boxes.
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and anything that increases your body's internal temperature.
• Avoid eating fish that are high in mercury, such as tuna and swordfish.
• Talk to your supervisor or human resources department about harmful chemicals in your workplace.

It's important to be open and honest with your obstetrician during pregnancy. This includes telling the truth about any alcohol or drug use you're having. They're there to help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor before taking any medications or supplements. It's best to be extra cautious during pregnancy.

Finally, things to remember

Protecting your unborn baby from teratogens during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects. The first step is to be aware that some harmful substances can pass to your unborn baby and negatively affect its development. Avoiding teratogens can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and give your baby a good start in life.

Talk openly with your doctor about the medications you take, your alcohol use, and the conditions in your workplace or living environment. He or she can answer your questions about what can cause birth defects and how to protect yourself and your baby.