EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -A teratogen is a substance that interferes with normal fetal development and causes congenital disabilities. Drugs, alcohol, chemicals and toxic substances are examples of teratogens. Teratogens can also increase the risk for miscarriage, preterm labor or stillbirth.

Detailed explanation-2: -A teratogen is something that can cause birth defects or abnormalities in a developing embryo or fetus upon exposure. Teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, health problems such as uncontrolled diabetes in pregnant people.

Detailed explanation-3: -Teratogens are drugs, chemicals, or even infections that can cause abnormal fetal development. There are billions of potential teratogens, but only a few agents are proven to have teratogenic effects. These effects can result in a baby being born with a birth defect.

Detailed explanation-4: -Examples of non-teratogenic agents: spermicides, acetaminophen, prenatal vitamins, using a microwave to cook food. A non-teratogenic agent is one which does not cause birth defects.

Detailed explanation-5: -A drug is a teratogen if its administration to the pregnant mother, directly or indirectly, causes a structural or functional change in the fetus or child. Organ formation within the fetus occurs in the first 3 months of pregnancy, teratogenic drugs taken in this period therefore tend to cause structural defects.