Teratogenicity

Definition of Teratogenicity:

• Teratogenicity is the capability of a substance to cause malformations or defects in an embryo or fetus during pregnancy.

Mechanisms of Teratogenicity:

• Interference with cell division and differentiation: During organogenesis, the fetus’s rapidly dividing cells are highly vulnerable to disruptions.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Some substances can cause malnutrition in the mother or fetus, leading to developmental anomalies.

Critical Periods:

• Most teratogens exert their effects during the first trimester (3–8 weeks of gestation is the peak organogenesis period).

Examples:

• Isotretinoin (Retinoids): Known to cause craniofacial, cardiac, and CNS abnormalities.
• Alcohol: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

• Thalidomide: Initially used as a sedative during pregnancy in the 1950s–60s; caused severe limb deformities (phocomelia) in thousands of babies.

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