What are teratogens?

Teratogens are agents that cause birth defects during pregnancy. This definition encompasses a variety of substances and environmental factors that can interfere with normal fetal development, leading to malformations or functional abnormalities in the developing fetus. Common examples of teratogens include certain medications, alcohol, illicit drugs, infections, and exposure to certain chemicals.

By understanding teratogens, it becomes clear that they encompass a broader spectrum than merely medications taken during pregnancy. While medications can indeed be teratogens, not all medications have such effects, and teratogens may include a range of other harmful agents like smoke, alcohol, and specific viruses. Nutrition substances, while critical for healthy fetal development, do not fit the definition of teratogens since they do not cause defects but rather support growth. Environmental factors that do not affect pregnancy are also outside the realm of teratogenic influence, as they do not pose any risk to fetal health or development. Thus, the focus on teratogens as birth defect-causing agents captures the essential understanding needed in this area of prenatal development.