There are many teratogens that can result in giving birth to a baby with abnormalities.  teratogens are chemicals or other factors that can cause abnormalities during the embryonic growth and development stage. In more words teratogens can harm any baby that is inside the mother or by a breastfeeding mother. There is a list of teratogens which are alcohol, prescription/non-prescription medications, illegal drugs, vaccines, illnesses, environmental exposures, occupational exposures, or maternal autoimmune disorders. Alcohol is associated with the: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is when pregnant women drink during their pregnancy. This syndrome is 100% preventable but no one knows the exact amount of drinking that triggers Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Having alcohol in moderation can affect any mother’s baby. Even when you think you’re drinking in moderation. When it comes to alcohol and being pregnant it is wise to just stay away, since there is no factor or reason to why FAS occurs even with one glass of wine. There are so many different things that you do that can result in the loss of a child or having a baby with abnormalities. Cigarette smoking is another type of teratogen that can result in miscarriages, low birth rate, stillbirth, premature birth and SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Smoking has so many health factors that when you are pregnant smoking won’t only hurt you while you’re pregnant but will also hurt your baby. There are so many factors that play a very crucial part while you are bearing a child. This should raise even more awareness to future mothers; parents about the importance of being healthy and taking care of yourself for the protection and safety of your child. Teratogen substances are toxic to a developing embryo or fetus.

~KW

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