What is a potential fetal effect of alcohol exposure?

Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can lead to a wide range of developmental issues known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This term encompasses various conditions that may arise from the effects of alcohol on a developing fetus, which include physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments. FASD is specifically characterized by growth deficiencies, facial anomalies, and central nervous system dysfunction.

When a pregnant individual consumes alcohol, it crosses the placenta and can interfere with the normal development of the fetus, affecting brain growth and leading to intellectual disabilities, behavioral problems, and challenges with learning and memory. This cascade of potential issues highlights how exposure to alcohol in utero poses serious risks and can have lasting impacts on a child's life.

In contrast, the other choices mention outcomes that are generally not associated with alcohol exposure. There is no evidence to support increased IQ or improved growth in infants exposed to alcohol during pregnancy; rather, many studies indicate the opposite effects. Furthermore, increased birth weight is not a typical outcome; in fact, alcohol exposure is more often linked to lower birth weights due to its detrimental effects on fetal development.