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Environmental toxicants and fetal development is the impact of different toxic substances from the environment on the development of the fetus. This article deals with potential adverse effects of environmental toxicants on the prenatal development of both the embryo or fetus, as well as pregnancy complications .
Developmental disorders can include a wide range of physical abnormalities, such as bone or organ deformities, or behavioral and learning problems, such as an intellectual disability. Exposures to some chemicals during pregnancy can lead to the development of cancer later in life, called transgenerational carcinogens.
One type of drugs which is suspected of influencing the developing baby when used during pregnancy is anti-hypertensive drugs. [21] Pre-eclampsia (a condition of hypertension during pregnancy), is a serious problem for the majority of pregnant mothers and can predispose the mother to a variety of complications, including increased risk of ...
According to the World Health Organization, substance abuse refers to the damaging or risky consumption of psychoactive substances, which includes alcohol and illegal drugs. [66] [67] When pregnant women use psychotropic substances, whether they are prescribed or not, it can have adverse effects on the developing fetus. [66]
Cocaine can also show up in breast milk and affect the nursing baby. [27] [28] The severity of effects depends on how much of the drug is used, how often, and the stage in the development of the fetus. [29] Cocaine prevents the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. [19]
Crystal Methamphetamine is an example of a recreational drug that can have serious negative consequences on fetal memory development if used during pregnancy. Similarly to nutritional intake, drugs consumed by the mother during pregnancy can affect the brain development of her fetus.
During the twelfth week, frequent alcohol exposure can negatively impact the brain development which affects cognitive, learning and behavioral skills before birth. [68] By the 20th week of gestation the formation of organs and organ systems is well-developed. The infant is still susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol. [18]
Fetal hydantoin syndrome, also called fetal dilantin syndrome, is a group of defects caused to the developing fetus by exposure to teratogenic effects of phenytoin. Dilantin is the brand name of the drug phenytoin sodium in the United States, commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy .