A pregnant mother may be wise to avoid all alcohol, since even social drinking may result in

A fetal alcohol effect
B a near certainty of miscarriage
C schizophrenia
D growth retardation

i believe the correct answer is A

Right!

Your answer, option A, is correct. A pregnant mother may be wise to avoid all alcohol because it can lead to a condition called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The term "Fetal Alcohol Effect" is an older term that was used to describe a milder form of FASD. FASD is a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities that can occur in individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy.

To arrive at the correct answer, you can eliminate options B, C, and D because they are not accurate or supported by medical evidence.

Option B, "a near certainty of miscarriage," is not necessarily true for all pregnant women who consume alcohol. While heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of miscarriage, moderate or occasional drinking may not always result in a miscarriage. However, it is still recommended for pregnant women to abstain from alcohol to reduce all potential risks.

Option C, "schizophrenia," is unrelated to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder with various causes, including genetic and environmental factors. It is not directly caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Option D, "growth retardation," is another potential consequence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can lead to restricted fetal growth, which may result in low birth weight and other growth-related issues.

To summarize, option A, Fetal Alcohol Effect or FASD, is the accurate answer as it reflects the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. However, it is essential to remember that the safest approach is for pregnant women to avoid all alcohol to minimize any potential harm to the developing fetus.