CARE Northwest is a teratogen information service located at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. This service provides information on the effect of drugs, chemicals and other agents during pregnancy and lactation. This service is available to health professionals and patients in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

• Computerized Databases
• Other Resources
• Links

CARE Northwest Description

If you are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, you may have questions about the effect of drugs or chemicals, or other substances on your developing baby. The media has paid close attention to research focusing on the possible risk of commonly encountered substances. Yet the results of these studies are not easily interpreted and sometimes seem contradictory. Often patients and their health care providers are confused or worried by these reports.

CARE Northwest is a telephone consultation service that provides up-to-date, accurate information about pregnancy and lactation exposures. CARE Northwest also offers in-clinic counseling for individuals who have high risk exposures or anxiety concerning an exposure.

WHAT IS A TERATOGEN?

 A teratogen is an environmental agent such as a drug, chemical, virus or pollutant which interferes with the normal development of the embryo or fetus.

 WHAT AGENTS MAY CAUSE CONCERN?

 A variety of agents may cause concern, including:

• Prescribed or over-the-counter medications, vaccinations or vitamins
• Diseases or infections occuring during pregnancy
• Chemical, pesticide or radiation exposure in the workplace or home environment
• Alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs

SOME FACTS:

• Every woman in the general population has a 3-5 percent risk of having a child with a medically significant birth defect or mental retardation.
• Only about 10 percent of birth defects are related to known maternal illnesses, drugs, chemicals or other exposures.
• Most substances taken appropriately by an expectant mother will not harm the embryo or fetus.
• The safety of a product used at any time during pregnancy can never be guaranteed.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL CARE NORTHWEST?

 When you make an inquiry you will be asked about the:

• Name of the agent in question
• Dose or duration of exposure
• Stage of pregnancy in which the exposure occurred
• Information regarding other exposures and the general health of the patient

A teratogen information specialist will gather the latest information on the agent from a variety of sources, including computerized databases, current journals and textbooks, and consultation with a panel of experts.

Staff and Board of Directors

Staff
Janine E. Polifka, Ph.D.
Co-Director

Thomas H. Shepard, M.D.
Co-Director.

Elizabeth Rudy, R.Ph.
Teratogen Information Specialist

Board of Directors
David L. Eaton, Ph.D.
Alan G. Fantel, Ph.D.
Elaine Faustman, Ph.D.
Robert M. Fineman, M.D., Ph.D.
Jan M. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D.
Michael J. Guralnick, Ph.D.
Debra Lochner-Doyle, M.S.
Nelda A. Murri, Pharm.D.
Roberta Pagon, M.D.
Gail Provo
Joe C. Rutledge, M.D.