*Teratogenic Drugs: An Overview* 🧬 *Teratogens*: Harmful drugs affecting fetal development. ⚠️ *Critical Time*: Most dangerous in the first trimester. *⚙ Mechanisms*: - 🧬 Genetic Mutations - 🧫 Cellular Disruption - 🩸 Placental Dysfunction *💊 Common Drugs*: - Thalidomide: Limb deformities - Isotretinoin: Craniofacial & brain defects - AEDs: Neural tube defects - Warfarin: Skeletal/CNS abnormalities - ACE Inhibitors: Kidney issues - Methotrexate: Craniofacial defects - Alcohol: Fetal alcohol syndrome - Lithium: Ebstein's anomaly *🔎 Factors*: - ⏰ Timing: 1st trimester critical - 💊 Dose: Higher dose = More risk - 🧬 Genetics: Maternal/fetal factors *⚠️ Prevention*: - 👩‍⚕️ Preconception counseling - 💊 Alternative therapies - 🚺 Contraception use - 🩺 Regular monitoring *📌 Conclusion*: Safe medication use is crucial during pregnancy to minimize fetal harm.