What are Teratogens?
"Teratogen" is not a word that is heard often in everyday language, yet they are one of the many things that surround each of us as we go about our daily lives. So what exactly is a teratogen, you may be asking? They are substances that interrupt the development of fetuses and typically result in developmental malformation. [1] How severe a teratogen is influenced by a variety of factors, such as amount and length of exposure, type of teratogen, age of the fetus at exposure, and if there are any hereditary contributors. [2]
Impacts of Teratogens
Teratogenic agents work by interfering with biological pathways that negatively impact embryo development. This often results in malformations such as neural tube defects (like spina bifida and anencephaly), cleft lip/palate, and neurological impairments. [2,3] The impacts of teratogens begin quite early in pregnancy, with current experts suggesting that embryos can experience teratogen interference as early as 10-14 days after conception. This makes the first weeks of pregnancy the most vital regarding teratogen exposure, though it is equally important to avoid teratogens throughout the whole gestation period. [3]
Examples of Teratogens
There is a wide range of origins of teratogens, including select medications, select pathogens, recreational drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and health conditions. [2] Tobacco and alcohol are two of the most common and well-known teratogens out there, and both can easily be avoided while pregnant. Radiation, lead, and mercury exposure are other common teratogens. An example of a lesser-known teratogenic agent is caused by an infection of toxoplasmosis. This is a disease that is typically passed through cat feces and is important to consider if one is pregnant and owns a cat. [2] These are just a handful of dozens of well-known teratogens out there.
How to Handle Them
Because of their nature, it is important to be aware of potential teratogens you may be exposed to, especially if you're pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. Do not partake in tobacco and alcohol usage, do not eat fish high in mercury, and try to be aware of any harmful chemicals that you may be exposed to in your daily life. [2] But most importantly, contact your doctor and healthcare team for guidance in dealing with teratogenic agents while pregnant.
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