Which of the following is a possible consequence of substance abuse during pregnancy?

Substance abuse during pregnancy is associated with a range of negative outcomes for both the mother and the developing fetus. One significant consequence of substance abuse, particularly when it involves alcohol, is the development of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is a serious condition that can result from prenatal exposure to alcohol, leading to a spectrum of physical, behavioral, and learning abnormalities in the child.

Children with fetal alcohol syndrome may exhibit distinctive facial features, growth deficiencies, and a range of cognitive impairments, highlighting the profound impact that maternal substance abuse can have on fetal development. Addressing substance abuse before and during pregnancy is essential to prevent such detrimental outcomes and to promote healthier pregnancies and births.

In contrast, increased birth weight and improved fetal development, as well as decreased risks of complications, are not consequences associated with substance abuse, as these conditions typically result from healthy prenatal behaviors rather than from the negative impacts of substances.