Question

what are the effects of teratogens on a fetus based on trimesters and the role of folic acid supplement?

Answer 1

Teratogen which produces specific abnormalities at specific times during the phage of gestation.

A femous example is thalidomide which produces limb phocomelia. Phenytoin produces foetal hydantoin syndrome. Teratogens shows a effect during the embryonic period from 18 to 60 days after conception where the basic steps of organs started because tissues are starting to differentiate so fast and damge them.

In the third trimester teratogens affect more at the At this time folic acid is given because it is water soluble vitamin which helps in cell proliferation and contribute to neural tube closure. Worldwide recommended dose is 0.4 mg daily for all women in reproductive period. Folic acid produces red blood cells and helps to develop neural tube into her brain and spinal cord.