Word parts
What it means
Teratogens include alcohol, some drugs (such as isotretinoin, warfarin and valproic acid), some infections (such as rubella, cytomegalovirus and Zika), radiation and some chemicals. The baby's organs form mostly in weeks 3 to 8 after conception, so exposure then does the most harm, often before a person knows they are pregnant.
For the nurse
Ask anyone who could be pregnant about pregnancy before giving a known teratogen, and teach reliable birth control when a client takes one. Teach that no amount of alcohol is known to be safe in pregnancy.
At a glance
| Spanish | teratógeno |
|---|---|
| Also written | teratogens |
Related terms
neural tube
The hollow structure in an early embryo that develops into the brain and spinal cord.
androgen
A male sex hormone, such as testosterone, or a drug that acts like one.
birth defect
A problem in how a part of the body is formed or works that is present when a baby is born.