Final answer:
The term congenital means 'Existing at or dating from birth', matching option 1 from the choices provided. It pertains to traits or conditions present at birth and can include both genetic and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definition of congenital is 'Existing at or dating from birth'. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option 1. Congenital characteristics, conditions, or diseases are present at birth and can be the result of genetic or environmental factors during pregnancy. For instance, some newborns are born with congenital heart defects or other congenital anomalies which may affect them throughout their lives.
During the infancy period, which refers to the first year of life after birth, many important developmental milestones occur. Careful assessment of a newborn's health at birth includes evaluating congenital traits, and both the physical and cognitive development during infancy is critical to ensure the well-being of the child.