Final answer:
Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication due to the risks of teratogens. Substances like some prescription drugs, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental factors can cause birth defects. Folic acid supplementation is recommended to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best answer to the question regarding what kinds of medications can cause birth defects is option B: "To be safe, don't take any medication without talking to your doctor." This is because various substances, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and other chemical compounds such as methyl iodide and bisphenol A, are known teratogens. These can potentially cause birth defects if a woman is exposed during pregnancy. It is important to highlight that not all medications will cause birth defects, but caution is necessary, especially during the sensitive periods of development.
In addition, a lack of certain nutrients, notably folic acid, can lead to serious birth defects. For this reason, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are often advised to take prenatal vitamins containing folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and even environmental factors like radiation, can also be harmful to a developing fetus. Smoking is another known risk factor and is linked to multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes.
It cannot be overstated that pregnant women must consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication to understand the potential risks and benefits. This includes discussions on proper nutrition and environmental exposures that should be minimized or avoided to safeguard the developing fetus.