Teratogen: (teˈratəjən) noun.
An agent or factor that causes malformation of an embryo.
Types of Teratogens
A teratogen can be anything that the mother can pass to her unborn child through the umbilical cord or that affects the physical and chemical make-up of the mother's body, to the detriment of her embryo.
Chemical
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Any drug can be a teratogen, depending on how they affect the developing embryo. Although it is common knowledge that illegal drugs, alcohol and cigarettes all have the potential to harm the development of a fetus, the same can be true for over the counter drugs. Prescription drugs that are safe for a fully-grown woman can cause cellular damage in the forming embryo.
To protect the potential embryo, women of child-bearing age are often asked if they are pregnant. Most pregnant women are discouraged from taking any medicines during unless they are crucial to the woman's continued health.
Maternal Disease
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The health of the mother can have a significant affect on the development of an embryo. Like typical teratogens, diseases can cause damage in the early stages of development. However, many instances of maternal disease can cause nervous system damage later in the pregnancy, while the nervous system is still specializing.
Mothers can transfer a disease to their child in utero, and they can transfer some diseases during birth. These birth-transmitted diseases may cause minimal symptoms to the mother, but can cause permanent damage for the infant.
Other Influences
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The mental health of the mother, her diet and her physical environment can all affect the embryo in her uterus. Depression has been shown to result in slow fetal development and premature birth. Foods that fail to provide basic nutritional needs to the embryo will limit the ability of the embryo's cells to effectively function and reproduce. The airborne and skin absorbable compounds in the mother's environment can also have a toxic effect.
