What are drugs that cause birth defects called?
Drugs that can cause birth defects are called ‘teratogens’. A teratogen is a substance that interferes with the normal development of a fetus.
What is the meaning of birth defects?
1. Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body (e.g., heart, brain, foot). They may affect how the body looks, works, or both. Birth defects can vary from mild to severe.
What are examples of congenital defects?
The most common, severe congenital anomalies are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome. Although congenital anomalies may be the result of one or more genetic, infectious, nutritional or environmental factors, it is often difficult to identify the exact causes.
Which antibiotics cause birth defects?
The findings showed that women who used the antibiotics trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, or cephalosporins were at higher risk for one or more major birth defects, as compared to women who only took penicillin.
What are the most common types of birth defects?
The most common birth defects are:
- heart defects.
- cleft lip/palate.
- Down syndrome.
- spina bifida.
What causes birth defects pregnancy?
What causes birth defects? Some birth defects are caused by genes that can be passed from parents to children. Others result from a problem with chromosomes. A small number of birth defects are caused by exposure during pregnancy to certain medications, infections, and chemicals.
Which antibiotics are teratogenic?
Some antibiotics are known to be teratogenic and should be avoided entirely during pregnancy. These include streptomycin and kanamycin (which may cause hearing loss) and tetracycline (which can lead to weakening, hypoplasia, and discoloration of long bones and teeth).
Can UTI cause birth defects?
Main Findings Having a GUI before or during early pregnancy may increase a woman’s chance of having a baby with a birth defect. UTIs were linked to: Cleft lip. Congenital heart defects.
Are there any medications that can cause birth defects?
Some medications that are normally safe can cause serious birth defects when taken by a pregnant woman. Make sure to tell your doctor about any medications you may be taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Most vaccines are safe during pregnancy. In fact, some vaccines can help prevent birth defects.
What are the factors that can cause birth defects?
Birth defects can be a result of: 1 genetics 2 lifestyle choices and behaviors 3 exposure to certain medications and chemicals 4 infections during pregnancy 5 a combination of these factors
How are birth defects related to the extra chromosome?
This extra chromosome can cause a typical constellation of birth defects. Characteristic features of Down syndrome can include developmental delay, muscle weakness, downward slant of the eyes, low-set and malformed ears, an abnormal crease in the palm of the hand and birth defects of the heart and intestines.
What kind of birth defects are caused by alcohol?
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a term used to describe the typical birth defects (learning disabilities, mental retardation, irritability, hyperactivity, poor coordination, and abnormalities of facial features) caused by maternal alcohol use.