Final answer:
Valproic Acid can increase the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida and anemia in infants when taken during pregnancy, highlighting the importance of avoiding teratogenic substances during this sensitive developmental period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of Valproic Acid during pregnancy can increase the risk of various congenital defects. In particular, neural tube defects such as spina bifida, where the spinal cord does not form properly, and an increased risk of anemia in the infant are associated with its use. This aligns with the broader understanding that certain substances can influence embryonic development negatively when exposed in utero.
It is well established that sufficient intake of folic acid is essential during early pregnancy to mitigate the risk of neurological defects, including those related to incomplete neural tube development. Valproic Acid, being a teratogenic substance, can interfere with this critical process. Understanding the role of medications and their effects during pregnancy is crucial, as highlighted by other teratogenic examples such as alcohol leading to fetal alcohol syndrome, rubella virus causing a range of congenital issues, and ACE inhibitors affecting fetal renal function.
Healthcare providers typically recommend avoiding such teratogenic substances during pregnancy or employing alternative treatments to prevent potential harm to the developing fetus.