Phocomelia is a rare congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment or absence of limbs. Individuals with phocomelia may have arms or legs that are very short or may be missing entirely, leading to significant physical challenges. This condition can occur due to genetic factors or environmental influences during pregnancy, such as exposure to certain medications.
One well-known cause of phocomelia is the use of the drug thalidomide by pregnant women in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Thalidomide was initially prescribed to alleviate morning sickness but resulted in severe birth defects, including phocomelia. Awareness of this condition has led to stricter regulations on drug use during pregnancy to prevent similar occurrences.