Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What factor determines the length of a baby at birth?

1. Predictive genetic markers

2. Size of the mother's uterus

3. Environmental influences during pregnancy

4. Gender of the fetus

The correct answer is: Size of the mother's uterus

The size of the mother's uterus is a significant factor that can influence the length of a baby at birth. A larger uterus may provide a more accommodating environment for the developing fetus, allowing for greater growth potential. The uterus's capacity to expand and support the fetus as it grows can impact the overall size and length of the newborn. In contrast, predictive genetic markers primarily indicate hereditary traits that can influence certain physical attributes but are not direct determinants of size at birth. Environmental influences during pregnancy, such as nutrition and exposure to toxins, may affect growth but are more about overall fetal health than specifically dictating length. The gender of the fetus can correlate with size in some studies, with males generally being larger at birth, but it does not directly determine length. The mother's uterus size, being a physical space where the baby develops, plays a crucial role in accommodating growth and, therefore, in determining the baby's length at birth.