Motherisk E-Learning Centre

Program 1: General Principles of Teratology

Teratology is the science that studies abnormal fetal development due to different factors. Teratogenesis refers to abnormal development of fetal organ(s) and a teratogen is defined as an agent that may have harmful effects on the developing fetus. This section examines important maternal-fetal issues such as:

• Baseline risk
• Exposure to teratogens
• Critical time period
• Types of teratogenicity
• Causes of congenital malformations

The content of this section was developed by the Motherisk Program of The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.

Program 2: The Management of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP)

Many women who have to cope with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy endure tremendous physical hardship. This suffering may have a profound impact on family, work, and social life. Therefore, it is important for health professionals to realize that pregnant women who complain about nausea or vomiting are coming for help. This section looks into the various aspects of NVP and its management approach namely:

• Prevalence and impact on women's health and well-being
• Problems in clincal practice, treatment algorithm and case study

Program 3: Micronutrient Supplementation in Pregnancy and Lactation

Recent evidence has shown that micronutrient deficiency during pregnancy and breastfeeding represents a much greater problem than was believed even a decade ago. This tutorial deals with various aspects of micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy and lactation:

• Micronutrients during pregnancy and lactation
• Selected medical conditions and preventable birth defects
• Micronutrient interactions

The content of this section was developed by the following members of a special task force:

• Gideon Koren, MD (Motherisk), Chair
• François Bissonette, MD (Québec)
• Normand Brassard, MD (Québec)
• Jon Fenton Roy Barrett, MD (Ontario)
• Ellen Giesbrecht, MD (British Columbia)
• Eileen K. Hutton, PhD (British Columbia)
• Evelyne Rey, MD (Québec)
• Janet C. King, MD (California)

Program 4: Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Research continues to uncover the effects of drinking during pregnancy on the developing fetus and the impact throughout the lifetime of affected individuals. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the major known preventable birth defects among Canadian children. This tutorial examines FASD issues and outcomes such as:

• Epidemiology
• Diagnostic criteria
• Evidence of impairment
• Alcohol related birth defects
• Secondary disabilities
• The cost of FASD in Canada
• FASD - Major challenges

The content of this section was developed by: Gideon Koren, Director, Motherisk Program and Ivey Chair in Molecular Toxicology, University of Western Ontario.