Which outcome is a potential impact of prenatal alcohol exposure?

Which outcome is a potential impact of prenatal alcohol exposure?

• A. Miscarriage
• B. High birth weight
• C. Improved respiratory function
• D. Accelerated motor development

Answer: (A)

Prenatal alcohol exposure acts as a teratogen, meaning it can disrupt development very early in pregnancy. In early stages, alcohol can interfere with implantation and fetal viability, increasing the risk that the pregnancy ends in miscarriage. This is a potential impact of alcohol exposure before birth. Other outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure tend to involve growth and development issues rather than improvements. Growth restrictions are common, leading to low birth weight. Assaults on the fetus do not improve respiratory function; instead, alcohol exposure can contribute to respiratory and other health problems after birth. Motor development is typically affected with delays rather than acceleration.

Prenatal alcohol exposure acts as a teratogen, meaning it can disrupt development very early in pregnancy. In early stages, alcohol can interfere with implantation and fetal viability, increasing the risk that the pregnancy ends in miscarriage. This is a potential impact of alcohol exposure before birth.

Other outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure tend to involve growth and development issues rather than improvements. Growth restrictions are common, leading to low birth weight. Assaults on the fetus do not improve respiratory function; instead, alcohol exposure can contribute to respiratory and other health problems after birth. Motor development is typically affected with delays rather than acceleration.