Adverse environmental exposures in pregnancy: teratology in adolescent medicine practice
Seaver, L.H.
Adolescent Medicine 13(2): 269-291 Vi
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1041-3499 PMID: 11986036 Document Number: 264748
A teratogen is any drug, chemical, infectious or physical agent, or maternal disease or altered metabolic state that causes a structural or functional disability by acting on the embryo or fetus. Teratogens are responsible for approximately 10% of all human birth defects. Education of physicians caring for children and adolescents in the basic principles of teratology, the spectrum of human teratogens, and the recognition of associated anomalies is essential, because many maternal exposures and resultant fetal defects are completely preventable.