Teratogens and Fetotoxic Agents: The Role of Nurses

Authors

  • Jatuporn Tantanokit Department of Maternal Newborn Nursing and Midwifery, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand 80000
  • Khajit Boonpradit Department of Maternal Newborn Nursing and Midwifery, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand 80000
  • Nudsara Malasri Department of Maternal Newborn Nursing and Midwifery, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand 80000

Keywords:

birth defects, fetuses, harmful substances, teratogens and fetotoxic agents, nurses’ role

Abstract

Currently, numerous hazardous substances exist in the environment, including teratogens and fetotoxic agents. Exposure to such substances through food consumption, therapeutic medicines, substance abuse, unsafe work unsafe environments, and unsafe products during pregnancy can result in fetal abnormalities. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid exposure to these harmful substances. Nurses in antenatal care units are the health personnel closest to pregnant women and, as such, are important in helping to prevent exposure to harmful substances among pregnant women. This article aims to present the behavioral issues in pregnant women, policies to reduce the risk of chemical hazards, the meaning of harmful substances and teratogens, fetal development at different stages when exposed to harmful substances, types of harmful substances and effects on the fetus, and nurses’ roles in preventing harmful substances from causing abnormalities in the fetus.

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Published

2024-04-30

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บทความวิชาการ (Academic Articles)