What effect describes abnormalities in the fetus due to drugs administered to the mother?

The teratogenic effect specifically refers to the abnormalities in a developing fetus that arise due to exposure to certain substances, including drugs, during pregnancy. When a drug is taken by the mother and crosses the placental barrier, it can interfere with normal development, leading to physical or functional anomalies in the fetus. This term encompasses a broad range of potential outcomes, such as structural defects or functional disorders that can manifest after birth.

In comparison, the embryopathic effect generally pertains to damage occurring during the early stages of embryonic development, but it is not as widely used as teratogenicity in the context of drug-related exposure. The mutagenic effect refers to changes in the DNA that can lead to mutations and is not specific to fetal development. Embryonic injury is a less specific term that does not solely relate to drug exposure and may encompass a broader range of developmental issues. Thus, the term teratogenic effect most accurately describes the relationship between maternal drug use and fetal abnormalities.