Question

Harmful chemicals or viruses that can be transferred from a mother to her developing fetus are called

Answer 1

Answer;

Tetratogens

Explanation;

• Tetratogens are harmful chemicals or viruses that can be transferred from a mother to the developing fetus.
• These substances may produce physical or functional defects in the human embryo or fetus after the pregnant woman is exposed to them.
• Teratogens may cause a birth defect in the child or may halt the pregnancy outright. They are classified into radiation, maternal infections, chemicals, and drugs.

Answer 2

Teratogens are harmful chemicals or viruses that can be transferred from a pregnant mother to her developing fetus when exposed to teratogens which affect pregnancies and cause complications such as preterm labor, spontaneous abortion or miscarriages. Example of teratogen chemicals or viruses are; alcohol, tobacco smoke, mercury, lead, air pollution, pesticides, and drugs used during pregnancy. These toxicants cause low birth weight, paralysis, anemia, heart and lung problems to infants.