PSY 322 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Prenatal Care, Methamphetamine, Longitudinal Study
Document Summary
Development is an interaction between the two. Certain environmental exposures may cause defects in genes or cause certain genes to turn on that otherwise may not have. Teratogen: any agent that could impair prenatal development resulting in birth defects. Can be avoided through good prenatal care. Effect fetus/embryo differently at different time points. Toxins may not effect child if exposed at certain time. Threshold effect: harmful until reaches a specific level. Certain genes may result in different effects of toxins. Doctors do not ask pregnant women about life patterns (cheng et al. , 2011) Educate about pregnant women about teratogens and prenatal care. Many look to internet, but not all toxins are available. Provide education and follow-up on actual use harmful substances. Learn about the risks of exposing babies to certain substances. Teach about what can happen to babies. Can go to jail if using meth and baby dies.
