teratojen
Teratogens are agents that disrupt normal embryonic or fetal development, potentially causing birth defects, growth restriction, or neurodevelopmental disorders. They can be chemical substances, physical factors such as radiation, infectious agents, or certain environmental exposures. The risk depends on the dose, timing during pregnancy, duration of exposure, and the fetus’s genetic susceptibility, as well as interactions with other exposures. The most sensitive period for major structural anomalies is organogenesis, roughly the first eight weeks of gestation, but exposure at other times can lead to functional deficits or growth impairment and, in some cases, pregnancy loss.
Common teratogens include alcohol, certain prescription medicines such as retinoids, some anticonvulsants, and other drugs with
Prevention relies on preconception care, appropriate vaccination, avoidance or careful use of known teratogens, and, where