Which potential impact during pregnancy can cause mental retardation (intellectual disability)?

The potential impact during pregnancy that can cause intellectual disability relates to problems experienced during that period. Issues such as gestational diabetes, maternal infections, alcohol and drug use, and complications like preeclampsia can adversely affect fetal development. These complications can lead to insufficient oxygen or nutrients reaching the developing brain, which could result in neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability.

Inadequate prenatal vitamins can have negative effects on overall fetal health and development, but they are not the primary cause of intellectual disabilities compared to complications during pregnancy. Regular exercise is generally considered beneficial for pregnant individuals when done appropriately and is unlikely to be directly linked to intellectual disabilities. A balanced diet supports healthy fetal development but does not specifically encompass the range of problems that might occur during pregnancy that can lead to intellectual disability. Hence, the problems during pregnancy encompass a broader and more impactful category that directly relates to the risk of developing intellectual disabilities.