Answer:
the development of the fetus during early pregnancy. Thalidomide was initially marketed as a sedative and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women in the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, it was later discovered that thalidomide can cause severe birth defects in developing fetuses, particularly if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. The drug appears to interfere with the normal development of limb buds, leading to a range of limb deformities that can include missing or shortened limbs, flipper-like hands, and other abnormalities.
Thalidomide's devastating effects on fetal development led to widespread public outrage and calls for stronger regulation of pharmaceuticals. It also helped to spur the development of more rigorous testing and safety protocols for new drugs, particularly those that are intended for use during pregnancy. Today, thalidomide is strictly controlled and is only used in carefully monitored situations, such as for the treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune disorders. The legacy of thalidomide serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of rigorous drug testing and safety regulation, particularly when it comes to medications that may be used during pregnancy.