Prenatal exposure to alcohol is associated with which fetal outcomes?

• A. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and growth impairment
• B. Enhanced cognitive development
• C. No effect on fetal development
• D. Only behavioral changes with no physical impact

Answer: (A)

Alcohol acts as a teratogen, crossing the placenta and directly affecting fetal development. Prenatal exposure disrupts brain growth and overall growth, which can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. FASD includes a range of outcomes from the more visible fetal alcohol syndrome with growth deficiency and facial features to other neurodevelopmental problems, plus possible ongoing behavioral and cognitive effects. That combination of physical growth issues and neurodevelopmental impact is why this option is the best choice. The other statements aren’t accurate: alcohol exposure does not enhance cognitive development, it can and often does affect development, and there can be both physical and behavioral effects rather than behavioral changes with no physical impact. Preventing these outcomes centers on avoiding alcohol during pregnancy.