Final answer:
Alcohol on a fetus can cause cognitive disabilities and birth defects, including conditions under fetal alcohol spectrum disorders like fetal alcohol syndrome, which results in various developmental and physical abnormalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The possible effects of alcohol on a fetus include cognitive disabilities and birth defects. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can be highly detrimental to fetal development, leading to serious conditions collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Children born with FAS can exhibit cognitive disabilities, developmental delays, and physical abnormalities such as distinctive facial features, which may include a flat and thin upper lip, small palpebral fissures, and a smooth philtrum. Other potential impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure can include heart defects, microcephaly, vision and hearing problems, as well as growth problems.