What medical term describes a potential danger to fetal development due to a substance?

The term that describes a potential danger to fetal development due to a substance is teratogenesis. This concept refers specifically to the process by which an agent or factor can cause malformations or developmental abnormalities in an embryo or fetus. Teratogens can include a wide range of substances such as medications, infections, chemicals, and even certain maternal health conditions. Understanding teratogenesis is crucial in prenatal care and in managing risks during pregnancy to ensure healthy fetal development.

Malformation encompasses a broader category of structural abnormalities that can arise from various causes, but it does not specifically pertain to the influence of substances. Congenital anomaly is a term used to describe any condition present at birth, which may include malformations but is not limited to those resulting from teratogenic effects. Fetal toxicity refers to harmful effects on the fetus but doesn’t specifically convey the mechanism of causing malformations, which is what teratogenesis specifically addresses. Thus, teratogenesis is the most accurate term to describe the connection between a substance and potential risks to fetal development.