What type of disabilities can result from teratogen exposure during pregnancy?

Teratogens are substances that can cause developmental malformations or functional abnormalities in a developing fetus when exposure occurs during pregnancy. The effects of teratogen exposure can indeed result in both cognitive and physical disabilities, which makes the selection of both categories the most accurate answer.

Cognitive disabilities can manifest in various ways, including impairments in intellectual functioning, learning difficulties, and developmental disorders. This can occur due to teratogenic effects on the brain and nervous system, affecting areas responsible for cognition, attention, and behavior.

Physical disabilities may include malformations of limbs, organs, or other body structures, as teratogens can disrupt the normal development of tissues and organs during critical periods of pregnancy. Examples of physical disabilities include congenital heart defects, cleft palate, and limb abnormalities.

Taken together, the potential for both cognitive and physical disabilities highlights the importance of understanding teratogen exposure during pregnancy and its serious implications for fetal development.