The Effects Of Birth Defects On The Development Of The Fetus

Prenatal development is the process in which a human embryo or fetus gestates during pregnancy, from fertilization until birth (Prenatal Development). Most cases of unhealthy development can be avoided, however there are some genetic and environmental factors that cannot. Some genetic factors that affect the development of the fetus are Phenylketonuria, Sickle-cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs Disease, and Down Syndrome (Feldman 402). Some environmental teratogens that affect the development of the fetus are disease, toxic substances, the mothers age and well-being (Feldman 403). Teratogens are environmental agents such as drugs, chemicals, viruses, or other factors that produce a birth defect (Feldman 403). About 2-5% of all pregnancies that occur result in the fetus being born with a serious birth defect. A cause of birth defects can be linked to faulty genes and or chromosomes (Feldman 402). The following diseases are more common when resulting from genetic and or chromosomal adversity. Phenylketonuria, an inherited disease in which the fetus cannot produce the required enzymes for normal development, results in the accumulation of poisons that eventually cause intellectual disabilities (Feldman 402). This disease usually occurs in about 1 and 10,000 pregnancies, and because of how rare this disease is, it has a successful treatments when caught early enough right after birth (Phenylketonuria). This disease is caused by the PAH gene, the gene that is responsible for making theShow MoreRelatedA Brief Note On Drug Use On Infants1572 Words   |  7 Pagesillegal -- during pregnancy has a direct impact on the fetus† (Gaither 1). In simpler terms, drug use not only affects their own lives but also affects the lives of their unborn children. For the sake of enjoyment or recklessness, a woman is willing to put her unborn child at risk of birth defects or even death. Illegal drugs are a common thing that most people use. Since all drugs, even over the counter medications, can leave a lasting effect on an unborn child, pregnant women should be preventedRead MoreThe Effects Of Air Pollution On Reproductive Health1376 Words   |  6 Pagesagent that disrupts embryo development or fetal development is known as Teratogens. Teratogens can stop the pregnancy outright, or in cases of full term pregnancies, cause birth defects to the child. Some categories of teratogens are environmental and subjective teratogens. Environmental teratogens relate to environmental factors that cause birth defects or termination of a pregnancy. Subjective teratogens are substances in which the mother consumes that cause defects to the chi ld or also terminationRead MoreThe Effects Of Alcohol And Its Effects On Children856 Words   |  4 PagesAlcohol has very damaging effects. Not only does alcohol cause self-inflicted diseases, but it harms unborn fetuses as well. Many women drink alcohol before they realize they are pregnant. One of the most severe effects alcohol causes an unborn fetus is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, FAS, is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother’s pregnancy. The problem caused by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome varies from child to child, but defects caused by FAS are irreversibleRead MoreNo Teratogens During Pregancy Essay1169 Words   |  5 PagesA teratogen is any agent or factor that can disrupt the development of an embryo or fetus, which may cause a birth defect or malformation. Whether it is a medication, disease or drug, when the mother is exposed the chances of problems arising with the baby increase. Only ten to fourteen days after conception teratogens can affect the fetus. At that stage in the pregnancy the egg has already been fertilized and attached to the uterus. This is known as the embryonic stage where if health isn’t a priorityRead MoreEssay on Prenatal Substance Abuse954 Words   |  4 Pagesthe health and wellness of not only the fetus, but that of the mother. The harmful effects of medica tions, alcohol and illegal drugs on an unborn child can be devastating and can have significant consequences to its use. Sometimes the effects can be faced and treated, and other times the outcome is a lifelong challenge. During the prenatal period, it is important that new mothers are informed of the different types of abuse, how they may affect the fetus, and the adverse conditions their child mayRead MoreWhy Pregnant Substance Abuse Should Be Treated As A Major Issue1441 Words   |  6 Pagessubstance abuse should be treated as a major issue. The effects of substance abuse on the mother, fetus, and the overall pregnancy can range from none to extremely harmful. Women who use drugs during their pregnancy commonly give birth to â€Å"crack babies† or â€Å"drug babies†. These babies can have developmental disabilities or other birth defects. The mother may give birth to a premature infant, underweight infant, or even have a stillborn birth. The drug use of a pregnan t woman has a direct impact onRead More Effects of Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Essay1688 Words   |  7 PagesEffects of Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Works Cited Missing Alcohol plays a major role in society today. It is constantly being in our minds through advertisements, whether its commercials or billboards, holidays, or even just at the popular social scene. Alcohol is consumed for many purposes, such as celebrations, to increase romance, out of boredom, or a way to relax. Alcohol is a drug that is depended upon by the majority of our society. Nonetheless, alcohol has very damaging effectsRead More The Effects of Drinking and Smoking While Pregnant Essay848 Words   |  4 PagesThe Effects of Drinking and Smoking While Pregnant The most disgusting thing in this world in my opinion, is when a pregnant woman drinks or smokes. Women who drink during their pregnancy dont know that alcohol can fatally harm the unborn baby. Most of these women drink during their pregnancy with out any knowledge of the consequences. An estimated 40,000 babies are born each year in the United States with alcohol-related birth defects. The actual figures may be higherRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Abortion1175 Words   |  5 Pagesrefuted. Abortion is the ending of pregnancy and expulsion of the embryo or fetus, generally before the embryo or fetus is capable of surviving on its own. Abortion should be illegal for a number of reasons. To begin with, some may argue that a fetus is not a person but, just a â€Å" †¦ little more than a bundle of cells †¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Littlefield). Abortion normally is performed around the eighth week of pregnancy. During the eighth week, the fetus starts moving, responding to stimuli, using energy, growing and developingRead MorePregnancy and the Dangers of Drug Use1353 Words   |  6 PagesDangers of Drug Use i Pregnancy and the Dangers of Drug Use Sarah McVicker Psychology 201 Lifespan Development Professor Sally Vyain October 7, 2007 Pregnancy and the Dangers of Drug Use It is very important for a mother to lead a healthy lifestyle when she becomes pregnant. She must eat healthy, get lots of rest, and exercise regularly. It is even more imperative that she avoids things that may harm her or potentially her baby. Amongst things she must avoid, alcohol, cigarettes