Exposure to medications, chemicals, or other agents during pregnancy, a major cause of birth defect

Aside genetic problems, chromosomal problems and infections, National Institute of Health, USA,  have revealed that Exposure to medications, chemicals, or other agents during pregnancy can lead to giving birth to children with defects.

 The infants whose mothers took thalidomide are examples of an exposure leading to birth defects. Other examples include exposure to rubella (also called German measles) and toxic chemicals, such as hydrocarbons.

This is to advice expecting mothers to avoid intake of whatever is not prescribed by a physician all in the name of  self medication so as to prevent them from having birth defects in their babies.