Teratogenic

Teratogenic is a term used to describe substances or agents that can potentially cause birth defects or malformations in a developing fetus. These agents can be natural, such as certain viruses, or man-made, such as certain drugs and chemicals. Teratogenic agents can cause a range of physical and neurological problems, including mental retardation, physical malformations, learning disabilities, and even death. The incidence of teratogenic effects depends on a variety of factors, including the dose, timing, and vulnerability of the developing fetus. It is important to note that not all teratogenic agents will cause birth defects in all fetuses.