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A teratogen is any medicine, chemical, infectious disease or environmental agent that could interfere with the development of a fetus during pregnancy. Exposure to a teratogen may result in a loss of the pregnancy, a birth defect or pregnancy complications.
Common teratogens include:
- Prescribed or over-the-counter medicines or vaccinations
- Diseases or infections
- Exposure to chemical agents such as paints, varnishes and pesticides
- Exposure to physical agents such as excessive heat or radiation
- Excessive consumption of agents known or suspected of being harmful to the developing baby such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, vitamins or illicit drugs
The genetic specialists at Riley at IU Health offer teratogen consultation for expecting parents. To help avoid or address risk of damage to your unborn child, Riley at IU Health provides up-to-date information through the MotherToBaby IN service. This is a telephone inquiry service, available to anyone seeking information about teratogens including doctors, nurses, midwives and women who are pregnant, nursing or thinking about becoming pregnant.
What to Expect
What to Expect
To reach MotherToBaby IN simply call 317.274.1071. The MotherToBaby IN phone line is staffed by genetic counselors and geneticists.
When you call, the MotherToBaby IN coordinator will ask for the following information:
- Exact name of the medication, drug, disease, type of imaging study (for example, X-ray) or other agent of concern
- Exact dose, if possible (how many tablets, what strength, how much alcohol, how many shots, how many imaging studies)
- Duration of the exposure (how many days medication was taken, how many times per week alcohol was consumed)
- Date(s) during which exposure took place
- Last menstrual period and current gestation of the patient
- Any family history of birth defects or genetic disease
- Maternal conditions and/or any major complications in the pregnancy
The MotherToBaby IN service is available Monday–Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. There is no fee for the teratogen consultation service.
Key Points To Remember
Key Points To Remember
- A teratogen is any medicine, chemical, infectious disease or environmental agent that could interfere with the development of a fetus during pregnancy.
- You may call MotherToBaby IN at 317.274.1071 to speak to a genetic counselor or geneticist at Riley at IU Health.
- You should be prepared to provide information about your exposure to medicines, drugs, diseases, types of imaging studies or other substances when you call.
- The MotherToBaby IN phone service is open Monday–Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.