Does alcohol penetrate the placenta of an expecting mother and affect the fetus?

Alcohol does penetrate the placenta and can significantly affect the developing fetus. This is a crucial understanding in prenatal health, as the fetus is particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol throughout pregnancy. When an expecting mother consumes alcohol, it passes through the placenta and enters the fetal bloodstream, leading to a range of potential developmental issues. This can result in conditions such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which may cause physical, mental, and behavioral problems in the child.

The other options suggest that alcohol does not reach the fetus or affects only the mother, which is incorrect. Understanding that alcohol reaches the fetus is vital for expecting mothers to prevent potential health issues for their unborn children.