Summary:

Prenatal development refers to the period from conception to birth, divided into three stages: zygote, embryo, and fetus. These stages involve critical growth and organ development, particularly brain formation. Environmental hazards, known as teratogens, can severely impact the fetus. Factors such as medication, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, maternal health, and environmental toxins can cause physical, mental, or developmental damage. Avoiding teratogen exposure is vital for ensuring the child’s well-being.

Prenatal Development and Environmental Hazards: What Every Parent Should Know:

Prenatal Development:

 

1- The period of prenatal development:

Prenatal life is from the establishment of pregnancy to the stage of pregnancy, the development that occurs during this period is called prenatal development. This period has profound effects on the child's well-being later in life. According to Keenan and Evans, the period of prenatal development usually consists of nine months, which is divided into three stages: zygote, embryo, and fetus.

The period of the zygote ends in the first two weeks, during which the cells grow rapidly, the embryo begins in the third week and continues until the end of the second month of pregnancy. During this period, rapid changes take place and the foundation is laid for the development of various organs, structures and body systems. The fetus period is the longest and lasts from the ninth week until birth, during which the body completes, especially the growth of the brain. Although the baby in the mother's womb has very little contact with the outside world, but many environmental factors influence prenatal development.

2 -Environmental Risks- Teratogens:

According to Berk, any environmental factor that can harm the development of a fetus in the first place is called a "teratogen". Teratogens can have many factors which are different in intensity.

According to Keenan & Evans, the damage of teratogens depends on various factors, such as the length and amount of exposure to the harmful agent, the genetic makeup of both the mother and the fetus, and other adverse effects of age and environment. etc. Possible damages of teratogens include not only physical and mental damage but also developmental and even death.

The most effective factor during teratogens include medicines and drugs use during pregnancy. Aspirin, cocaine, and heroin use pose a major risk to the fetus, resulting in physical and mental disabilities, low weight, or death at birth.

The use of tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine by mother during pregnancy are among the non-autogenic factors that can predispose babies to premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. According to Berk, the mother's health, diseases, age, and emotional stress also create complications during pregnancy that can have long-term effects on the baby. Similarly, environmental pollution, radiation and toxins can also cause irreparable damage to the fetus. It is therefore important that parents avoid exposure to teratogens to ensure the safety of the child.