Which of the following is a possible consequence if a mother uses drugs during pregnancy?

• A. The baby may be born with low birth weight.
• B. The baby will always have a higher than average IQ.
• C. The baby is guaranteed to develop perfect vision.
• D. The baby will never experience any health problems.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the impact of drug use during pregnancy on fetal development, focusing on how substances can affect the growth and health of the baby.
2. Recognize that drug use during pregnancy can interfere with normal development, potentially leading to negative outcomes such as low birth weight, developmental delays, or health complications.
3. Evaluate each option by considering whether it aligns with known scientific evidence about prenatal drug exposure: for example, low birth weight is a documented risk, while guaranteed higher IQ or perfect vision are not supported by research.
4. Recall that drug use does not guarantee positive outcomes like higher IQ or perfect vision, nor does it ensure the absence of health problems; instead, it often increases the risk of adverse effects.
5. Conclude that the most accurate consequence among the options is that the baby may be born with low birth weight, as this is a well-established potential effect of prenatal drug exposure.