Should mothers take drugs and medications during pregnancy? Why or why not? What accounts for the fact that not every embryo or fetus exposed to a potential teratogenic agent is adversely affected or experiences the same effects?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A quick scan of the list of drugs and medications that can damage the developing child yields a simple "no," since even commonly used drugs such as aspirin, vitamins, and tobacco can be very harmful. Alcohol consumption is especially dangerous to the child. Even prescription medication should be taken only when it is essential to treat a medical condition in the mother or developing child. Teratogens are generally most harmful during the embryonic period, which means, among other things, that many mothers consume potential teratogens prior to knowing that they are pregnant. Women who are trying to get pregnant should avoid potential teratogenic agents if possible. The timing of exposure, "dosage," duration of exposure, and genetic vulnerability are all factors that can influence whether there will be adverse effects, how severe those effects are, and what they will be.