Smoking during pregnancy is considered a teratogenic activity because nicotine can pass through the placenta to the fetus, which results in reduced blood oxygen levels for the developing baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several potential consequences of this exposure, including premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Prenatal Risks of Smoking

A wide range of drugs are considered teratogens, as they can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus. This category includes illicit substances like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as the majority of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Drugs as Teratogens

Radiation is a physical teratogen, meaning that exposure to it during pregnancy can interfere with normal fetal development and cause damage to the embryo or fetus.

Radiation as a Teratogen

Certain viruses are classified as biological teratogens. If a pregnant person is infected, these viruses can be transmitted to the fetus, potentially causing significant harm. Examples of such teratogenic viruses include HIV, herpes, and rubella.

Viruses as Teratogens

The critical, or sensitive, period is a specific timeframe during prenatal development when a particular organ or body part is forming. During these periods, the developing structures are most vulnerable to damage from teratogens.

Critical (Sensitive) Period

A teratogen is any environmental agent—whether biological, chemical, or physical—that can cause damage to a developing embryo or fetus. Exposure to teratogens is particularly harmful during critical or sensitive periods of prenatal development.

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During each prenatal stage, there are many factors (e.g., genetic and environmental) that can affect one's development. These may include:
- Prenatal care
- Teratogens

Prenatal Influences

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Prenatal care consists of the medical supervision provided throughout a pregnancy to monitor the health of both the pregnant person and the fetus. This routine care is vital for reducing the risk of complications. However, a lack of prenatal care can pose significant health risks, and access to this care is not equitably distributed across all populations or geographic locations.

Prenatal Care

Pregnancy planning involves consulting with a healthcare provider before or while trying to conceive. This proactive step allows for guidance on practices that support a healthy pregnancy, such as taking folic acid supplements to prevent certain birth defects and making beneficial adjustments to diet and exercise routines.

Pregnancy Planning

Teratogen

Consider two pregnant individuals. Individual A receives regular medical check-ups, maintains a nutrient-rich diet, and avoids all known harmful substances throughout her pregnancy. Individual B, unaware she is pregnant for the first two months, continues to consume alcohol regularly and is exposed to a significant viral infection during that time. Based on general principles of prenatal development, compare the potential developmental risks for the two fetuses. In your analysis, explain why one fetus faces a greater risk of developing structural abnormalities and justify your reasoning by discussing the relationship between the timing of an exposure and its potential impact.

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