Question

List three teratogens, and explain how they disrupt prenatal development.

Short answer

Three teratogens include alcohol, tobacco, and thalidomide. Alcohol can lead to FASDs, including physical, behavioral, and learning abnormalities. Tobacco contributes to SIDS, low birth weight, and lung development issues. Thalidomide can cause severe limb abnormalities when exposure occurs during the first trimester.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Three Teratogens

Some common teratogens include alcohol, tobacco smoke and certain medications such as thalidomide.

Explain the Effects of Alcohol

Exposure to alcohol in the womb can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), which encompasses a range of effects including physical abnormalities, behavior and learning problems.

Explain the Effects of Tobacco Smoke

Tobacco smoke can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), low birth weight, and issues with lung development.

Explain the Effects of Thalidomide

Exposure to thalidomide during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to severe limb abnormalities in the fetus, a condition that was historically termed 'thalidomide syndrome'.