TERATOGENIC EFFECT OF DRUGS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF PREGNANCY

Objective: Teratogens play a crucial role in the 4-5% of infants who are born with physical or functional abnormalities in this world. Teratogens are recognized for their capacity to harm fetuses or neonates. Observations: Pregnancy-related exposure to certain substances may result in birth abnormalities or malformations of the fetus, such as behavioral or emotional problems, low IQ, physical deformities, etc. Because teratogens are more likely to cause harm between 15 to 60 days during organogenesis, major abnormalities are more prevalent in early embryos than in newborns. There are many different kinds of medications, and some of those that are often used during pregnancy can have teratogenic effects during various trimesters. Pregnancy is often separated into three trimesters. According to several studies, 70% of pregnant women consume at least two or three medications, including prescription pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medicines, throughout pregnancy or the first trimester of organogenesis. Conclusion: The current study focuses on how pregnancy and physiology during that time influences the pharmacokinetics of drugs that may reach and harm the fetus depending on the stage of pregnancy, as well as various factors affecting teratogenicity and concrete steps to address them.