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Discuss the teratogenetic principle. The period of the greatest vulnerability for a developing baby is when a women is 4-10 weeks pregnant. During this time the babyfs major organs are developing and being formed. Any exposure to a harmful substance or a terotogen during this time can result in major birth defects or a possible miscarriage. If the fetus is exposed to a terotogen during the first 2 weeks the baby will either be unaffected or the cells will die and the pregnancy will end. Any terotogen taken during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters can alter the growth, physiological, and biochemical functioning of the baby. Depending on the fetusfs age, drug potency, and dosage taken, a medication may: ¡ be toxic to the baby ¡ cause a variety of birth defects ¡ interfere with placental functioning which can affect the flow of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby ¡ alter the motherfs biochemistry which can affect the baby as well The three major categories of drugs you need to be concerned about during pregnancy is lifestyle drugs (alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs), over-the-counter products, and prescription medications.
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