|
Effects Of Medications On Fetal Development |
|
Late -
Pregnancy
|
Effects Of Medications On Fetal Development. Some medications can affect fetal development; they are called teratogens. The study of abnormal fetal development caused by teratogens is called teratology. When a birth defect occurs, we want to know why it happened. This can be frustrating because in most instances we are unable to determine a cause.
The first 13 weeks of development (the 1st trimester) are the most critical time for a fetus exposed to teratogens. If an embryo is exposed during the first 2 weeks of development, the pregnancy might end in a miscarriage. The most critical period of fetal development during the 1st trimester is between the 2nd and 8th weeks.
Although the 1st trimester is very important, your baby's systems continue to grow and to develop throughout your pregnancy. Exposure to some substances can harm a baby even after the 1st trimester.
|
