Darkside of Medicine

Teratogens are substances, conditions, or environmental factors that can affect fetal development during pregnancy. They may increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, developmental differences, or other health problems.

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Teratogens can include medicines, alcohol, tobacco, infections, environmental pollutants, radiation, and certain maternal health conditions. The effect of a teratogen depends on many factors, including the type of exposure, the amount of exposure, and when it occurs during pregnancy.

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Not every exposure will cause harm, and not every baby exposed to a teratogen will be affected. The risks can vary greatly between individuals because each pregnancy is unique.

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Understanding teratogens helps individuals, families, and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about health, medicines, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures during pregnancy.

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This section explores the different types of teratogens, how they can affect foetal development, and why some exposures carry greater risks than others.