Non-teratogenic agents

This is a term for something that does not cause birth defects.

If you're pregnant, it's common to be worried about birth defects. News reports, friends and family all have stories about babies with birth defects who were exposed to certain things in utero. However, some of the information you hear is not correct.

We've compiled a brief list of a few things that do not cause birth defects. You should feel free to use and be around these products while you're pregnant.

• Acetaminophen - Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in some pain relievers. Thousands of women have taken acetaminophen containing pain relievers during pregnancy and there has been no association with an increased chance for birth defects, when used at or below the recommended dosage.

• Microwave ovens - There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. X-rays are an example of ionizing radiation, while sunlight and microwaves are examples of non-ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation does not cause birth defects.  Just as the mother being outside in the sunlight during pregnancy does not interfere with the development of the fetus, microwaving food while pregnant is not known to increase the risk for birth defects or health problems.

• Spermicides - Spermicides are agents that impair the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg. This means that spermicides never even get to the developing pregnancy, since their job is to prevent pregnancy to begin with. However, studies from the 1970s and 1980s suggested that spermicides did cause some birth defects. New studies show no association with the use of spermicides and an increased chance for birth defects.

• Prenatal vitamins - Prenatal vitamins are prescribed when a woman becomes pregnant to supplement her diet to meet the growing nutritional needs of pregnancy. The amount of vitamins contained in a prenatal vitamin are calculated to specifically address some of the biological changes that happen when a woman is pregnant, such as the increased blood volume. When used at the recommended dosage, prenatal vitamins do not increase the risk for birth defects.

It is important to know that taking extra vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements, in addition to a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy, can be dangerous to the developing fetus. This is because the extra vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements can add up to a toxic effect for the fetus.

Be sure to check with your physician before taking any over-the-counter vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements while pregnant.

Advanced Fetal Care Center

If your child has been diagnosed prenatally with a birth defect, contact Boston Children's Hospital's Advanced Fetal Care Center. The AFCC provides diagnostic studies, counseling, treatment and care for mothers and their unborn children.