Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Prenatal exposure refers to the contact or influence that occurs during pregnancy whereby substances or conditions affect the developing fetus in the womb. This exposure can impact the health and development of the unborn child.
Teratogens are substances (such as drugs, chemicals, or infections) that can cause abnormal development in embryos or fetuses when exposed during pregnancy.
Fetal Development: Fetal development refers to the process by which an embryo grows and matures into a fetus within the uterus during pregnancy.
Maternal Health: Maternal health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being of a pregnant woman throughout the entire pregnancy period.