A teratogen is any agent that disrupts a child’s development through maternal exposure during pregnancy. Examples of teratogens include toxic chemicals, radiation, viruses, alcohol, smoking, certain harmful medications, and many others.
Some teratogens have a more potent effect than others. How harmful a teratogen is depends on several factors, including:
- Type: some teratogens, including alcohol and smoking, are more harmful to the developing fetus than other agents;
- Amount: the more a teratogen is consumed by a pregnant individual or the more the mother is exposed to it, the greater the harm to the fetus;
- Duration of exposure: the longer teratogenic agents are used during pregnancy, the more dangerous their effect on the child;
- Timing of exposure: the risk of teratogen exposure is highest during the first trimester of pregnancy, particularly up to the 8th week;
- Genetics: sometimes the genetics of the pregnant woman or the baby protect the mother and child from the effects of teratogens or reduce their impact.
Why is it important to know about teratogens?
All parents need to know what teratogens are and why it is essential to avoid them, as they can harm both the mother and the baby from the moment of exposure during pregnancy. For instance, smoking, alcohol consumption, or maternal exposure to radiation and certain toxic chemicals pose serious risks to the fetus and can later lead to numerous adverse outcomes.
Moreover, teratogens cause 4–5% of all birth defects in children. Examples of such abnormalities include physical defects like spina bifida and cleft palate, as well as microcephaly (underdevelopment of the brain and skull), and vision and hearing problems. Teratogens can also impair cognitive development. In addition, babies born to mothers who drink alcohol or whose thyroid disease went untreated during pregnancy have been found to have lower IQ levels.
The best way to minimize the risk of teratogens during pregnancy is not to start or stop any medication without first talking to your doctor, and to avoid the following:
- Extreme heat. Avoid spending long periods in hot tubs, steam rooms, or saunas;
- Treatment with natural medicinal herbs. Talk to your doctor before starting any over-the-counter medications during pregnancy. Products used as natural remedies may not be completely safe during pregnancy;
- Ionizing radiation. Your doctor must be completely sure that the risk of adverse effects is minimal before performing a radiation-based examination during pregnancy. In most X-ray and CT examinations, the radiation dose reaching the fetus is far below the level that causes harm, so do not refuse an examination your doctor considers necessary;
- Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection spread through undercooked meat, unwashed fruit and vegetables, soil, and cat feces. If there is a cat in the home, pregnant women should avoid the litter box as much as possible.
Types of teratogens
The following teratogens should be avoided:
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Cigarette smoking;
- Illicit drugs;
- Certain restricted medications;
- Certain infections;
- Any substances harmful to health.
Consulting a doctor
Expectant mothers must consult their doctor about factors that can lead to birth defects during pregnancy. Doctors will answer any questions you may have and help you have a safe pregnancy.
