Question

Women who consumed the drug thalidomide for relief from vomiting during early months of pregnancy gave birth to children with

• A. harelip
  
• B. under developed limbs
  
• C. no spleen
  
• D. extra fingers and toes
  

Answer 1

The correct option is B under developed limbs


Morning sickness
During the early months of pregnancy, in the mornings nausea and vomiting are common. This is called morning sickness.

Thalidomide
Thalidomide or α-(N-Phthalimido)glutamine is a chemical commonly used in the treatment of cancer. It has sedative effects. Thalidomide was also used by pregnant mothers during the first trimester for morning sickness.

Abnormalities due to thalidomide
Abnormalities due to thalidomide are as follows:

• It could cross the placenta.
• It is teratogenic, which means it causes an abnormality following fetal exposure during pregnancy.
• The most common birth defects in infants are structural defects of ears, legs, eyes, and underdeveloped limbs.
• This is commonly known as thalidomide embryopathy.

Final answer

d. under developed limbs