- Development happens quickly during the prenatal phase of pregnancy. The prenatal period is the time between conception and birth. This period consists of
three stages: the germinal stage, embryonic stage, and the fetal stage.
There are many things that can affect prenatal development negatively such as teratogens. Teratogens are any agents that causes an abnormality following fetal
exposure during pregnancy. These can be infections agents, physical agents, maternal health factors, environmental chemicals, and drugs (Genetic Alliance,
2010). The types or severity of abnormalities caused by a teratogenic agent is also dependent on the genetic susceptibilities carried by the mother and fetus.
For example, variation in maternal metabolism of a particular drug will determine what metabolites the fetus is exposed to and the duration of exposure. The
genetic susceptibility of the fetus to a particular teratogenic agent will also have an effect on the final outcome (Genetic Alliance, 2010).
Reference:
Genetic Alliance; The New England Public Health Genetics Education Collaborative. Understanding Genetics: A New England Guide for Patients and Health
Professionals. Washington (DC): Genetic Alliance; 2010 Feb 17. Appendix A, Teratogens/Prenatal Substance Abuse. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK132176/
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