Teratogen

A teratogen is a substance or factor that causes abnormal development of the fetus. Known teratogens include thalidomide and alcohol, as well as rubella and cytomegalovirus diseases, and exposure to X-rays or other ionizing rays. Teratogens can lead to various malformations in the fetus, such as limb deformities, heart defects, and brain development disorders. This is due to the fact that teratogens have a toxic effect during the period of active formation and differentiation of tissues and organs of the embryo.

The teratogenic effect is most dangerous in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to avoid contact with potential teratogens. In comparison, a mutagen is a factor that causes mutations, i.e. permanent changes in the genetic apparatus of the cell. Unlike teratogens, mutagens affect not only the developing fetus, but also the somatic cells of the adult organism.



Teratogens are substances or factors that can cause abnormal fetal development in pregnant women. They can be both external and internal.

External teratogens include various chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and others. They can enter a pregnant woman's body through air, food or water.

Internal teratogens can be caused by various diseases, such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus and others. These diseases can be transmitted from mother to fetus through the blood or placenta.

Teratogens also include radiation, which can be caused by X-rays, radioactive substances or other sources of radiation.

It is important to note that teratogenic factors can affect the fetus at any stage of pregnancy, from conception to childbirth. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid exposure to teratogens and take precautions to reduce the risk of fetal abnormalities.



A teratogen is a substance or factor that can cause abnormal fetal development in a pregnant woman. It can be caused by various reasons such as drugs, chemicals, viruses, bacteria, radiation and other factors.

One of the most well-known teratogens is thalidomide. This medicine was developed to treat morning sickness in pregnant women, but research has found that it can cause various abnormalities in the fetus, such as developmental defects of the limbs, heart and brain.

Another known teratogen is alcohol. It can also cause fetal abnormalities, including mental retardation, heart defects and other problems.

In addition, rubella, a viral infection that is spread through contact with an infected person, can cause serious problems in the fetus, including defects in the nervous system, heart and eyes.

Teratogens also include exposure to X-rays and other ionizing rays, which can damage fetal cells and cause various abnormalities.

A mutagen is a factor that can lead to a change in the genetic code of a cell or organism. Mutagens can be external (such as radiation) or internal (such as chemicals). They can cause various changes in the genetic code, which can lead to various diseases and defects in the offspring.

Thus, teratogens can be very dangerous for the future development of the fetus. Therefore, if a woman is pregnant, she should avoid exposure to known teratogens and take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to the fetus.