Introduction
The development of the fetus in the womb involves complex processes of the development of all body systems. Cognitive functions, as well as physiological characteristics, are formed during this period, and several criteria have a direct impact on the child’s further psychological development. One of the negative teratogenic effects described in the article by Georgieff et al. (2018) is expressed in the embryo’s abnormal development due to the penetration of toxic agents into the fetus’s blood. Timely education of the population about the dangers of substance abuse is a prerequisite for preventing disorders in developing the embryo.
Developmental Disorders
Development disorders are the severe consequences of teratogen exposure to the embryo. Georgieff et al. (2018) provide an example of such impairments and note altered behaviors, impaired brain functions, and other negative implications of this effect. Psychopathology against the background of toxins entering the body of the embryo is scientifically proven. Numerous clinical studies confirm that “teratogens can accumulate in the body during fetal life and thus affect fetal brain development acutely” (Georgieff et al., 2018, p. 1064). As a result, the risk of subsequent development disorders increases crucially.
Significance of the Subject Related to Developmental Psychology
The topic of the negative impact of teratogens during pregnancy is of significance to the field of developmental psychology. Little et al. (2021) state that mothers who abuse alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances put their unborn children at significant risk. The inability to socialize normally due to mental retardation, behavioral abnormalities, and other disorders is the consequence of this negative impact. Georgieff et al. (2018) highlight an impaired “behavioral phenotype in adulthood” as a direct outcome of such exposure (p. 1063). Thus, developmental psychology is an area where specialists must deal with their patients’ manifestations of teratogenic effects.
Important Points and Impacts on a Personal Nursing Practice
The analysis of the topic makes it possible to highlight critical nuances. Firstly, as Georgieff et al. (2018) argue, teratogens tend to accumulate in the embryo, which negatively affects the development of mental functions. Secondly, teratogens can enter the fetus not only through substances consumed by the mother but also in the form of environmental toxicants (Georgieff et al., 2018). Finally, poor maternal education may result from impaired embryonic development (Georgieff et al., 2018). These nuances are crucial to consider to prevent psychological pathologies in a child after birth.
The topic of the negative effect of teratogens is an important one for my nursing practice. I can promote maternal education and talk to prospective parents about the relevance of following healthy lifestyle principles to ensure the normal development of their fetus. In addition, I will be more attentive to health-related effects, such as environmental impacts, to take into account potential negative impacts and identify risk factors timely.
Conclusion
The normal development of the embryo in the womb can be impaired by the ingestion of teratogens and, consequently, the intoxication of the fetus. To avoid problems with cognitive and psychological development, timely maternal education is a significant risk mitigation factor. Teratogens tend to accumulate under the influence of various impacts, including both maternal substance abuse and environmental effects. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important prerequisite for avoiding the aforementioned developmental issues and preventing critical damage to the embryo’s brain functions.
References
Georgieff, M. K., Tran, P. V., & Carlson, E. S. (2018). Atypical fetal development: Fetal alcohol syndrome, nutritional deprivation, teratogens, and risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and psychopathology. Development and Psychopathology, 30(3), 1063-1086. Web.
Little, B., Sud, N., Nobile, Z., & Bhattacharya, D. (2021). Teratogenic effects of maternal drug abuse on developing brain and underlying neurotransmitter mechanisms. Neurotoxicology, 86, 172-179. Web.