Teratogen

Definition

A teratogen is any environmental influence that adversely affects the normal development of the fetus.

Description

Abnormal fetal development may result from exposure to a teratogen. There are four different teratogen categories: physical agents (radiation and hyperthermia), metabolic conditions affecting the mother, infection, and drugs (like thalidomide) and alcohol.

Physical agents

Hyperthermia

Women whose body temperature is raised while pregnant may have abnormalities result in their fetus. The rise in body temperature can be caused by infection or by spending time in hot areas such as a sauna or hot tub.