Unit 2 Discussion: Prenatal Development

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Unit 2 Discussion: Prenatal Development Readings: Chapter 3 and 4 A teratogen is any exposure in the environment such as drugs, illnesses, alcohol that can cause substantial harm to an unborn or breastfeeding baby. There are some teratogens that even if the mother was exposed to or poisoned at one point before getting pregnant can still cause harm to the unborn baby even if she is no longer exposed. Lead can be considered a teratogen as it is a toxic metal and can cause harm during the embryonic period. Most damages when exposed to teratogens occur during the embryonic period. Lead exposure during the embryonic period can cause stillbirths, increased risk for malformations, and VACTERL syndrome; VACTERL association is a disorder that affects