Birth defects, risk

Mendola P, Robinson LK, Buck Louis GM, Druschel CM, Fitzgerald EF, Sever LE, Vena JE (2005) Birth defects risk associated with maternal fish consumption Potential effect modification by sex of offspring. Environ Res, 97 133-140. 

United States Pubhc Heath Service. US Public Health Says B Vitamin Can Cut Birth Defects Risk (Press release). 14/09/1992. 

Levy, H.L. (1976), Screening perinatal aspects. In Birth Defects, Risks and Consequences (eds. S. Kelly, E.B. Hook, D.T. Janerich and I.H. Porter), Academic Press, New York, pp. 289-296. 

Thousands of studies of radiation and its risks have been conducted. Yet there is no conclusive evidence that low levels of radiation exposure cause either cancer or birth defects. The nuclear iadustry operates oa the coaservative ALARA approval, assumiag that any exposure iavolves some risk. 

BC, a 22-year-old woman, was diagnosed 2 years ago with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. She has been treated with valproate 1500 mg/day. Since starting valproate she has gained 45 pounds (20.5 kg), continues to have occasional myoclonic jerks, had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure 3 months ago, and is sexually active. Additionally, she complains of easily falling asleep during the day. Due to adverse effects, poor seizure control, and the risk of birth defects with valproate, the decision is made to switch to a different antiepileptic drug. 

The critical time for organogenesis is during the first eight weeks of pregnancy thus, the risk for birth defects is highest during the first trimester. 

Bellinger DC. 1989. Prcnatal/carly postnatal exposure to lead and risk of developmental impairment. Birth Defects 25 73-97. 

There is a slightly increased risk of birth defects with low-potency FGAs. 

Studies in animals confirm that endrin s main target is the nervous system, probably because the brain and other parts of the nervous system contain much fatty tissue, and endrin tends to stay in those tissues. Birth defects, especially abnormal bone formation, have been seen in some animal studies. While there are no human data on birth defects, evidence in rodents suggests that exposure to high doses of endrin during pregnancy could be a health risk to developing fetuses. 

Carbaryl is perhaps one of the best studied of the major lawn chemicals, and evidence of health-related risks related to its use date as early as the late 1960s, when studies of the chemical revealed both its toxicity and its potential impact on animal (and potentially human) reproduction. In 1969 the U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare recommended restrictions on the use of the chemical, owing to mounting evidence that it may be tetragenic (causing birth defects). Later research in the 1980s pointed towards the possible implication of carbaryl in neurotoxicity, brain function, and aggressive behavior. ... 

It should not be assumed that all birth defects and functional abnormalities in children are caused by drugs or environmental chemicals. It is clear that environmental factors such as extreme heat or cold, certain forms of radiation, infections (particularly German measles and syphilis), dietary deficiencies, and genetic disorders in the parents can all put the developing fetus at risk. 

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