What are fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and what is the key preventive message?

What are fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and what is the key preventive message?

• A. They are caused by exposure to nicotine
• B. They include growth deficiencies, facial anomalies, and neurodevelopmental problems
• C. They are completely preventable by vaccines
• D. They have no impact on cognitive function

Answer: (A)

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders occur when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, and alcohol crosses the placenta to affect fetal development. The typical impact includes growth deficiencies, facial anomalies, and neurodevelopmental problems such as learning difficulties, attention issues, and behavioral challenges. The preventive message is that there is no known safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy, so abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy is the best way to prevent FASD. Nicotine exposure is not the cause, vaccines do not prevent FASD, and FASD often involves cognitive and neurodevelopmental impacts.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders occur when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, and alcohol crosses the placenta to affect fetal development. The typical impact includes growth deficiencies, facial anomalies, and neurodevelopmental problems such as learning difficulties, attention issues, and behavioral challenges. The preventive message is that there is no known safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy, so abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy is the best way to prevent FASD. Nicotine exposure is not the cause, vaccines do not prevent FASD, and FASD often involves cognitive and neurodevelopmental impacts.