Question

In longitudinal follow-ups of thousands of births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early ________ than children who experienced a full-length prenatal period.

A) showed lower reading and math scores in third grade
B) were less likely to suffer from childhood obesity
C) were less likely to suffer from neurological impairments
D) scored higher in language and social skills in early childhood

Answer 1

Option A. Babies born 1 to 2 weeks early are more likely to exhibit lower reading and math scores in third grade, reflecting the importance of full-term pregnancy for adequate development.

Step-by-step explanation:

In longitudinal follow-ups of thousands of births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early showed lower reading and math scores in third grade compared to children who experienced a full-length prenatal period. This outcome can be attributed to several factors associated with early birth. For one, significant developments in the brain and nervous system occur in the final weeks of pregnancy, and missing out on this time can lead to developmental delays. Conditions such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) might contribute to these early births and the associated complications.

Moreover, the viability of the fetus significantly increases with each week spent in the uterus; thus, early birth interrupts crucial developmental processes. Although advances in neonatal care have increased the survival rates of preterm infants, the risks associated with being born even slightly before term have long-lasting consequences, influencing toddlers' physical and cognitive abilities, including third-grade reading and math prowess.