What is a Teratogen?

A teratogen is any environmental agent such as a drug, chemical, or pollutant that can potentially harm a developing fetus. What is the North Dakota Teratogen Information Service? The North Dakota Teratogen Information Service is a statewide program located at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.  It serves physicians, nurses, and other health professionals caring for pregnant women.  It consists of the following three components: Central, up-to-date source of information on teratogens.  Data is collected from computerized sources, professional articles and recent texts on a case-by-case basis. Easy access: Call (701) 777.4277 for a staff member. Provision of educational programs for health professionals: Methods for avoiding teratogen exposures. What kind of hazardous agents may cause concern? Health professionals may be concerned about any number of potentially hazardous agents (chemicals/drugs/etc.).  These include: Prescribed or over-the-counter medications Vaccinations Diseases or infections of the mother occurring before or during pregnancy Exposure to chemical agents such as: Inhalants Pesticides Paints Varnishes ... any of these exposures could happen in: The work place At home In the community Exposure to physical agents such as: Excessive heat Radiation Consumption of agents known or suspected of being harmful to the developing baby including: Alcohol Tobacco Caffeine Some vitamins Illicit drugs Any other agent about which future parents or their physicians may be concerned What information do you need to provide to the Teratogen Information Service staff? When reporting to the Teratogen Information staff, you are asked to be as specific as possible when providing background information.  Such information should include: Exact name of: The medication Drug Disease or illness Type of X-ray Other agent of concern Exact dose, if possible. For example: Number of tablets taken Strength of tablets (5 mg? 15mg? etc.) Amount of alcohol Number of injections Number of X-rays Duration of exposure: Number of days medication was taken Number of times during the day medication taken How many times per week alcohol was consumed Date(s) during which exposure took place Last menstrual period Current gestation age (length of time pregnant) of patient Report of family history of birth defects or genetic disease Description of any major complications in the pregnancy What assistance can I expect from the Teratogen Information Service? All inquiries will be handled by current staff members, either the nurse geneticist or social worker in consultation with the medical geneticist. Every attempt will be made to provide the most current information available. Information will be presented over the phone and followed with a written summary. A pregnancy follow-up letter will be sent at a later date to track the pregnancy outcome of each patient.   ND Teratogen Information Services are available By phone: (701) 777.4277 Monday Through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.