gynecology and obstetrics
Risk Factors for Complications During Pregnancy
Exposure to Teratogens
Common teratogens (agents that cause fetal malformation) include infections, drugs, and physical agents. Malformations are most likely to result if exposure occurs between the 2nd and 8th week after conception (the 4th to 10th week after the last menstrual period), when organs are forming. Other adverse pregnancy outcomes are also more likely. Pregnant women exposed to teratogens are counseled about increased risks and referred for detailed ultrasound evaluation to detect malformations. Commoninfectionsthat may be teratogenic include Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections None Overview of Acute Viral Hepatitis None Rubella None Chickenpox None Syphilis None Toxoplasmosis None Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection None Overview of Enterovirus Infections None Zika Virus (ZV) Infections None Commonly useddrugsthat may be teratogenic include Social and Illicit Drugs During Pregnancy None Social and Illicit Drugs During Pregnancy None Social and Illicit Drugs During Pregnancy None Some prescription drugs (see table Some Drugs With Adverse Effects During Pregnancy ) Hyperthermia or exposure to temperatures > 39° C (eg, in a sauna) during the 1st trimester has been associated with spina bifida. 