Читать книгу Lifespan Development - Tara L. Kuther - Страница 160

As described, prenatal development unfolds along a programmed path. However, sometimes environmental factors can hinder prenatal development. A teratogen is an agent that causes damage to prenatal development, such as a disease, drug, or other environmental factor, producing a birth defect. The field of teratology attempts to find the causes of birth defects so that they may be avoided. Health care providers help pregnant women and those who intend to become pregnant to be aware of teratogens and avoid them, as much as possible, to maximize the likelihood of having a healthy baby.