Exposure to radiation during pregnancy can lead to which of the following outcomes?

Prepare for the American Board of Genetic Counseling Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations to enhance your knowledge. Get exam ready!

Exposure to radiation during pregnancy is known to have several potential risks and adverse outcomes for the developing fetus. One of the most significant concerns is the increased risk for fetal malignancies and growth restriction.

Radiation can lead to cellular damage and genetic mutations within the rapidly dividing cells of the fetus. This damage may increase the likelihood of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, in children who were exposed to radiation in utero. Additionally, radiation exposure can impede normal growth and development, resulting in growth restrictions that can affect overall health and development after birth.

While learning disabilities and specific congenital anomalies like cleft palate are potential risks associated with various teratogenic exposures, they are more closely linked to other environmental factors or specific genetic conditions rather than solely to radiation exposure. Maternal diabetes, similarly, is not a direct consequence of radiation exposure during pregnancy.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the comprehensive and serious implications of radiation exposure, encompassing both the risk of malignancies and growth restrictions, making it the most accurate representation of potential outcomes.

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