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Benchmark-Early Childhood Essay
Khadijah Johnson
Grand Canyon University
BHS-420
Nichelle Gause
June 16, 2024
, 2
Benchmark-Early Childhood Essay
Introduction
Many different chemicals can be consumed or exposed to in the environment from
preconception through pregnancy, which can have profound impacts on the development of an
embryo, fetus, and even long term into adulthood. This document aims to explain teratogens, the
potential effects of alcohol usage on many developmental domains, as well as strategies for
prevention and intervention.
Teratogens
Teratogens or teratogenic agents are defined as any agent that can produce a birth defect
(Feldman, 2021). Teratogens can result in a variety of abnormalities or malformations, either
functional or physical, that could impact the developing baby. Medications, alcohol, tobacco
products, chemicals, drugs both legal and illicit and viruses are a few of the most prevalent
teratogens. The placenta shields the fetus against teratogens by preventing them from entering
the uterus during pregnancy. All fetuses are exposed to certain teratogens since, regrettably, it is
not 100% reliable. The amount of the teratogen and the time the fetus was exposed to it are
important pieces of the jigsaw. One of the elements that determines how much of a teratogen the
fetus is exposed to is the stage of development during pregnancy. It is true that teratogens affect
fetuses most at times of fast development. Diverse ethnic and cultural origins may exhibit
greater susceptibility or sensitivity to distinct teratogens. For instance, compared to European
Americans, Native Americans are more likely to have an elevated risk on prenatal development
because of alcohol consumption.
Specific Teratogen
Benchmark-Early Childhood Essay
Khadijah Johnson
Grand Canyon University
BHS-420
Nichelle Gause
June 16, 2024
, 2
Benchmark-Early Childhood Essay
Introduction
Many different chemicals can be consumed or exposed to in the environment from
preconception through pregnancy, which can have profound impacts on the development of an
embryo, fetus, and even long term into adulthood. This document aims to explain teratogens, the
potential effects of alcohol usage on many developmental domains, as well as strategies for
prevention and intervention.
Teratogens
Teratogens or teratogenic agents are defined as any agent that can produce a birth defect
(Feldman, 2021). Teratogens can result in a variety of abnormalities or malformations, either
functional or physical, that could impact the developing baby. Medications, alcohol, tobacco
products, chemicals, drugs both legal and illicit and viruses are a few of the most prevalent
teratogens. The placenta shields the fetus against teratogens by preventing them from entering
the uterus during pregnancy. All fetuses are exposed to certain teratogens since, regrettably, it is
not 100% reliable. The amount of the teratogen and the time the fetus was exposed to it are
important pieces of the jigsaw. One of the elements that determines how much of a teratogen the
fetus is exposed to is the stage of development during pregnancy. It is true that teratogens affect
fetuses most at times of fast development. Diverse ethnic and cultural origins may exhibit
greater susceptibility or sensitivity to distinct teratogens. For instance, compared to European
Americans, Native Americans are more likely to have an elevated risk on prenatal development
because of alcohol consumption.
Specific Teratogen
