Which in utero factor can significantly impact birth development?

• A. Maternal smoking during pregnancy
• B. The father’s age
• C. The mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy
• D. A high-protein diet in pregnancy

Answer: (C)

Alcohol exposure during pregnancy is a powerful agent that can significantly affect birth development. Ethanol crosses the placenta, and the fetus has limited ability to metabolize it, causing widespread disruption of growth and brain development. This can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which include growth restriction, neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems, and characteristic facial features, with severity tied to the amount and timing of exposure. There isn’t a known safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, so avoidance is advised. While smoking during pregnancy can also harm the baby (such as lower birth weight and preterm birth), its effects are not as universally disruptive to development as alcohol exposure. A father’s age or a high-protein diet in pregnancy does not have the same direct, teratogenic impact on the fetus.