What is a possible effect of prenatal radiation exposure?

Prenatal radiation exposure can have significant effects on fetal development, and one of these potential impacts is a lower than normal birth weight. When a developing fetus is exposed to radiation, it can lead to various adverse outcomes due to the sensitive nature of rapidly dividing cells in early development. Lower birth weight can result from the disruption of normal growth patterns as the radiation can lead to failed or impaired cellular processes, including growth and differentiation.

Radiation can affect the placental function, which is critical for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. This impairment can restrict the fetus's environment for growth, contributing to lower birth weight at delivery. The consequences of prenatal radiation are complex and can vary based on the timing, dose, and type of radiation.

While other options might suggest alternative effects of prenatal exposure, such as increased birth weight or changes in height, research has not shown these as consistent outcomes associated with radiation exposure. Instead, lower birth weight is a recognized and documented risk associated with prenatal radiation.