Teratogens. Medications. Infections. Safe in Pregnancy. In this conversation, we explore the safety of exposure to certain things during pregnancy such as alcohol, beauty products, and yes even Tylenol. We learn more about how an agent or exposure is evaluated as being teratogenic as well as resources for pregnant individuals with questions.

Key Takeaways:

• Teratogens refers to an exposure (drug, chemical, infection, radiation, or substance) that can interfere with growth or development of an embryo or fetus. 


• Every pregnancy has a background risk of 3% for birth defects, unrelated to exposures or family history.


• The timing, dosage, and other risk factors play a role in the impact of a potential teratogen.


• It’s crucial to differentiate between correlation and causation in studies.


• Pregnant individuals should consult healthcare providers about medication use.

Nevena is a board certified genetic counselor and an assistant professor at the University of South Florida (USF), division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and serves as the Program Coordinator and Teratogen Information Specialist at MotherToBaby Florida. In addition to providing exposure counseling at MTB Florida and USF Exposures Clinic, she provides prenatal and preconception genetic counseling in various clinics across the Tampa Bay area. Nevena is the Associated Program Director and provides both clinical supervision and coursework instruction for students form the USF Genetic Counseling Program. Nevena earned her MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston in 2012. She is the president elect of Organization of Teratogen Information Services (OTS). The views and opinions shared on the podcast are her own and do not represent those of her employer.

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Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you


• Birth Defects Registry & Prevention


• Mother to Baby website


• Human Teratogens course 

Any inquiries on the podcast can be sent to AllAccessDNA@gmail.com

Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

The All Access DNA team includes: host, producer and editor Kate Wilson. The logo is designed by Designs by NKJ. Our Social Media Lead is Casey Lepley.