WEBVTT 00:00:00.009 --> 00:00:00.860 What are teratogens? 00:00:01.759 --> 00:00:02.380 Teratogens 00:00:02.630 --> 00:00:05.210 are any agent that disrupts a baby's development when 00:00:05.219 --> 00:00:07.429 a person is exposed to it during pregnancy. 00:00:07.840 --> 00:00:13.880 Known teratogens include alcohol, smoking, toxic chemicals, radiation viruses, 00:00:13.890 --> 00:00:17.139 some maternal health conditions and certain prescription drugs. 00:00:17.569 --> 00:00:18.500 Some teratogen 00:00:18.750 --> 00:00:20.440 are more concerning than others. 00:00:20.750 --> 00:00:21.719 How harmful a 00:00:21.909 --> 00:00:22.389 teratogen is 00:00:22.399 --> 00:00:26.309 depends on several factors, including the type, amount, duration, 00:00:26.319 --> 00:00:29.110 and time of exposure as well as genetic influences. 00:00:29.440 --> 00:00:30.069 Type. 00:00:30.399 --> 00:00:31.229 Some teratogen, 00:00:31.379 --> 00:00:33.950 including alcohol and smoking, have a more 00:00:33.959 --> 00:00:36.709 harmful impact on a developing fetus than others. 00:00:36.930 --> 00:00:37.709 Amount. 00:00:38.049 --> 00:00:40.310 The amount of harm to a fetus increases the 00:00:40.319 --> 00:00:43.200 more the pregnant person consumes or is exposed to a 00:00:43.369 --> 00:00:43.849 teratogen. 00:00:44.130 --> 00:00:45.700 Duration of exposure. 00:00:45.970 --> 00:00:47.959 The longer a fetus is exposed to a 00:00:48.130 --> 00:00:50.240 teratogen, the more dangerous the effects. 00:00:50.560 --> 00:00:51.830 Time of exposure. 00:00:52.130 --> 00:00:52.369 Teratogens 00:00:52.909 --> 00:00:56.000 are most harmful early in pregnancy, starting about 10 to 00:00:56.009 --> 00:00:59.490 14 days after conception to about eight weeks into pregnancy. 00:01:00.009 --> 00:01:00.900 Genetics. 00:01:01.069 --> 00:01:04.860 Sometimes the pregnant person's or the baby's unique genetics protect 00:01:04.870 --> 00:01:07.139 them or make them more vulnerable to certain teratogens. 00:01:07.970 --> 00:01:09.309 Why they are important. 00:01:09.580 --> 00:01:11.419 All parents should know what teratogen 00:01:11.589 --> 00:01:14.870 are and how to avoid them since they can cause harm throughout pregnancy 00:01:14.879 --> 00:01:16.589 starting around the time of conception. 00:01:17.279 --> 00:01:18.180 For instance, 00:01:18.190 --> 00:01:20.660 the risk of miscarriage is higher when you smoke or 00:01:20.669 --> 00:01:24.510 drink alcohol or exposed to radiation in certain toxic chemicals. 00:01:24.800 --> 00:01:26.180 These and other teratogens 00:01:26.389 --> 00:01:28.389 are also linked to premature birth. 00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:32.819 Additionally, 4% to 5% of birth defects are caused by teratogen. 00:01:33.699 --> 00:01:36.800 These include physical malformations like spina 00:01:36.980 --> 00:01:37.760 bifida, cleft 00:01:37.769 --> 00:01:40.779 palate or microcephaly, when the brain and skull are 00:01:40.790 --> 00:01:43.690 underdeveloped as well as vision and hearing problems. 00:01:44.120 --> 00:01:44.739 Teratogens 00:01:45.019 --> 00:01:47.150 can also affect cognitive development. 00:01:47.480 --> 00:01:50.809 Babies born to a parent who drinks alcohol or has certain health 00:01:50.819 --> 00:01:55.099 conditions like thyroid disorders have been shown to have lower IQ scores.