What can be a significant outcome of a pregnant woman consuming alcohol during pregnancy?

Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a range of adverse effects on fetal development, with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) being one of the most severe outcomes. FAS is characterized by physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments in the child, which are directly linked to alcohol exposure during critical periods of pregnancy. The condition includes distinctive facial features, growth deficiencies, and neurodevelopmental issues that manifest throughout the child’s life.

Research has shown that alcohol can easily cross the placenta, ultimately affecting the developing fetus’s brain and organ systems. Thus, fetal alcohol syndrome serves as a crucial reminder of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It highlights the need for awareness and education regarding prenatal exposure to harmful substances. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the scientific understanding of the effects of alcohol on fetal health or development. The emphasis on FAS underscores the importance of abstaining from alcohol to protect the health of both the mother and the fetus.