If you were given the task of providing an educational session regarding teratogens to women who were planning to get pregnant, what information would you consider vital to your presentation?

When providing an educational session about teratogens to women who are planning or considering pregnancy, it is essential that health professionals provide up-to-date and accurate information. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (2019), “teratogens are agents, substances or conditions that can cause physical malformations or developmental problems in a fetus” which can have long-term effects on a child’s health and development. Teratogenic influences include both environmental factors such as radiation and chemical exposure as well as lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use and diet.