There are several factors that influence how severely teratogens affect a developing organism. The early stages of pregnancy are most vulnerable, with more frequent or higher doses of exposure causing more damage. Additional risks include poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, and exposure to multiple teratogens. Common teratogens like alcohol and street drugs like cocaine can cause issues like fetal alcohol syndrome, growth retardation, and premature birth. The effects of teratogens depend on timing of exposure and characteristics of the specific organism.
17. Crack babies are now seen as 1990s myth because adopted babies do well It was the post-natal environment, combined with prenatal vulnerability, that led to learning disabilities and ADHD in cocaine-exposed children
