Question

What is the cause of fetal alcohol syndrome?

A. Alcohol in the pregnant woman's bloodstream contracts her blood vessels and prevents her from providing the fetus with adequate nutrition
B. Alcohol in the pregnant woman's bloodstream crosses the placenta into the unborn fetus' system and disrupts its ability to get enough oxygen for normal growth and development
C. Alcohol in the pregnant woman's bloodstream makes her reckless and more likely to fall or otherwise cause injury to the fetus
D. Alcohol in the pregnant woman's bloodstream upsets her hormonal balances and prevents her from delivering enough testosterone to a male fetus and estrogen to a female fetus

Answer 1

Fetal alcohol syndrome is caused by the consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman, which disrupts the fetus's development due to alcohol crossing the placenta and entering the fetus's bloodstream.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cause of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman. When a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol crosses the placenta and enters the fetus's bloodstream, leading to a range of potential abnormalities. This includes physical characteristics such as a thin upper lip, short height, and low body weight, as well as cognitive and behavioral problems like learning issues, poor impulse control, and lower IQ scores. The severity of FASDs depends on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption and also on the age of the embryo or fetus when alcohol is consumed. Therefore, to answer the student's question: B. Alcohol in the pregnant woman's bloodstream crosses the placenta into the unborn fetus' system and disrupts its ability to get enough oxygen for normal growth and development is the correct answer.