What happens when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol?

When a pregnant woman consumes alcohol, it is absorbed into her bloodstream and can cross the placenta, meaning that it can directly enter the fetal circulation. This means that the toxic effects of alcohol can affect the developing fetus since the placenta does not filter out alcohol.

Unlike many other substances, the placenta does not provide a significant barrier to alcohol, allowing it to flow from the mother to the baby almost freely. This can lead to fetal alcohol exposure, which can result in a range of developmental issues known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These issues can include physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges.

The other options do not accurately describe the interaction between alcohol and the developing fetus, as they suggest either that alcohol is filtered out or that it does not reach the baby in an impactful way. Thus, the correct understanding is that alcohol can indeed reach the fetus and potentially cause harm.