What is a Teratogen?

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A teratogen is any medication, chemical, infectious disease, or environmental agent that could interfere with the development of the fetus during pregnancy. The result may be loss of the pregnancy, a birth defect, or pregnancy complications.

Common teratogens may include:

prescribed or over-the-counter medications or vaccinations
diseases or infections
exposure in the workplace, at home, or in the community to chemical agents such as paints, varnishes, and pesticides
exposure to physical agents such as excessive heat or radiation
excessive consumption of agents known or suspected of being harmful to the developing baby such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, vitamins or illicit drugs

US News - America's Best Children's Hospitals 2008

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