Teratogens
Teratogens are substances that can cause malformations to organs and tissues while they are forming during the prenatal period. The consumption of alcohol while pregnant can cause the fetus' central nervous system to become damaged. Tobacco could also affect a fetus. A study from the University of Patras Medical school found that half of the mothers that participated in the study who had children suffering from congenital heart disease were smokers. Cocaine can be absorbed through the placenta and can be seen in urine and hair. These teratogens can cause a baby to be born premature and at a low birth weight. Environmental toxins do not only affect fetuses in physical ways, but they could also affect a fetus psychologically. There has been studies that suggest that environmental toxins are linked to ADHD. There are also other studies that find a correlation between environmental toxins and autism.
Read more about this topic: Environmental Toxins And Fetal Development