Teratogenic effects are most closely associated with which outcome?

• A. Cancer
• B. Birth defects
• C. Immediate illness
• D. Genetic mutations

Answer: (B)

Teratogenic effects occur when a substance or factor disrupts fetal development during pregnancy, leading to birth defects or congenital anomalies in the newborn. The defining outcome is structural or functional abnormalities present at birth, caused by exposure during critical periods of organ formation. While some exposures can have other risks, the classic and most direct result of teratogenicity is birth defects, not cancer or immediate illness in the mother, and not primarily genetic mutations in the child.