TERATOLOGY AND HAZARDS

TO
PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT
METCENA, CHARLIE
PILLADO, MICHELLE
REGIS, JOSEPH
 Teratology is the field that
investigates the cause of congenital
(birth) defects.

 A teratogen is that which causes

birth defects.

It comes from the Greek word

“tera” which means “monster.
CLUSTERS OF HAZARDS TO
PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT.
1.PRESCRIPTION AND NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS

 Antibiotic is an example of prescription drugs.

 Pills, Aspirin and coffee are the nonprescription drugs.
 2.PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS

 Nicotine, caffeine and illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin.
 FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS) – heavy drinking of alcohol by pregnant women.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

 Radiation in jobsites and X-rays, environmental pollutants, toxic wastes, and

prolonged exposure to heat in saunas and bath tubs.
 4. Other maternal factors such as Rubella (German
Measles), syphilis, genital herpes, AIDS, nutrition, high
anxiety, stress, age.
 5. PATERNAL FACTORS

 Father’s exposure to lead, radiation, certain pesticides and petrochemicals.