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If research suggests that a pregnant mother's use of an artificial sweetener caused harm to the fetus, the artificial sweetener would be considered a teratogen. Teratogens are substances that can interfere with the normal development of a fetus during pregnancy, leading to birth defects or other developmental abnormalities.
Here's a breakdown to help you understand:
1. Teratogens are substances that can cause harm to a developing fetus when exposed during pregnancy.
2. In the context of the question, the artificial sweetener would be classified as a teratogen if research indicates that its use by the pregnant mother resulted in harm to the fetus.
3. Harmful effects of teratogens can include physical deformities, cognitive impairments, or behavioral issues in the newborn.
So, in this scenario, if the research shows that the artificial sweetener used by the pregnant mother had negative effects on the fetus, it would be classified as a teratogen due to its potential to cause harm during fetal development.
