What is a teratogen?

A teratogen refers to any substance or environmental factor that has the potential to cause harm during fetal development, leading to birth defects or developmental issues. This includes various agents such as certain medications, alcohol, drugs, infections, and environmental toxins. Teratogens can disrupt normal cell processes and development, especially during critical periods in pregnancy when the organs and systems of the fetus are forming.

Understanding this definition is crucial for recognizing the importance of prenatal care and the recommendations regarding substance use during pregnancy. The sensitivity of the developing fetus to teratogens can vary depending on the timing of exposure and the specific substances involved.

The other options provided do not accurately define a teratogen. Prenatal vitamins are designed to support a healthy pregnancy, genetic disorders pertain to inherited conditions rather than external factors, and developmental milestones refer to specific skills or behaviors that typically develop in children as they grow. Each of these terms is relevant to human development but focuses on different aspects, making them distinctly separate from the concept of teratogens.