It’s been known for sometime now that pregnant women can be exposed to teratogens - environmental agents that can disrupt normal embryonic and fetal development.
Following are examples of known human teratogens:
- medication: Thalidomide, isotertinoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid
- infectious diseases: Rubella or German measles
- chronic/heavy alcohol use
Unfortunately, for most medications, chemicals and other exposures, there are no adequate studies in human pregnancy. Thus, it is not clearly known whether or not these agents present an increased risk to the developing fetus. The identification of teratogenic potential of these agents is of critical importance in that birth defects resulting from these exposures may be preventable. One of the goals of CTIS is to conduct research to gather new information regarding the potential teratogenicity of environmental agents. Visit our “Pediatric Exam” and “Neurodevelopmental Exam” page. Find out how you can provide information for future pregnant women.
