Which of the following statements is true regarding the effects of teratogenic drugs?

The selected statement is accurate because teratogenic drugs are known to cause specific effects on fetal development that are often predictable and related to particular organ systems. When researchers identify a drug as teratogenic, they often recognize patterns of malformations or developmental issues that correspond to the timing of exposure and the specific organ systems that are still developing at that time. For example, exposure to certain medications during specific weeks of gestation is linked to heart defects, while others might affect the development of limbs or the central nervous system. This predictability is essential for healthcare providers to assess risks and make informed decisions regarding drug use in pregnant individuals.

In contrast, systemic harm is not a defining characteristic of teratogenic drugs; not all teratogens lead to systemic effects or harm the mother. Additionally, the effects of teratogens are not random, as they tend to target specific organ systems based on the timing of exposure, maternal factors, and the pharmacodynamics of the drug. It is also untrue that teratogenic drugs do not affect the embryo’s development, as their primary concern is indeed related to how they impact fetal growth and development.