A teratogen is a substance that can cause birth defects. Thus, something that can cause deformities to a fetus during pregnancy is teratogenic.
Some drugs that are prescribed for bipolar disorder are known to be teratogenic. In particular, some of the anticonvulsant medications that are used as mood stabilizers have been found to carry a major risk of birth defects.
Most bipolar disorder medications are in a category where the risk of birth defects in humans has not been studied, but animal studies suggest there may be such a risk. For these drugs, doctors and patients are urged to consider whether the potential risks to the infant outweigh the risks to the mother of discontinuing the drugs.
There are no medications of any kind on the market that are highly likely to cause birth defects. Whether you are planning to become pregnant while taking medications for your bipolar disorder or discover you are pregnant while taking such drugs, it is essential that you discuss the risks and benefits of your medications with all your doctors.
Teratogenic (adjective): TARE-at-uh-JEN-ick
