What causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

• A. Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy
• B. Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy
• C. Prenatal vitamin deficiency
• D. Maternal smoking during pregnancy

Answer: (A)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome occurs when a fetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol crosses the placenta and the developing baby has limited ability to metabolize it, so the fetus experiences higher and prolonged alcohol exposure. This teratogenic effect disrupts growth, brain development, and facial formation, leading to the characteristic problems seen in FAS. Because the direct cause is maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, this option best explains the syndrome. The other factors—caffeine, prenatal vitamins, or smoking—can affect pregnancy in different ways, but they do not cause the specific constellation of growth, facial, and neurodevelopmental issues that define FAS.