The nurse is counseling a woman who wants to become pregnant. The woman tells the nurse that she has a 28-day menstrual cycle and the first day of her menstrual period was January 8. The nurse correctly calculates that the woman's next fertile period is?

Choice A reason: A daily consumption of alcohol does not necessarily indicate a risk for alcoholism, although it is not recommended for pregnant women. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that involves physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, and it requires more than one criterion to be diagnosed.

Choice B reason: She will not be at risk for abusing other substances as well, unless she has a history or predisposition for substance abuse. Alcohol use during pregnancy does not cause other substance abuse problems, although it may co-occur with them.

Choice C reason: The fetus is not at risk for multiple organ anomalies, unless the mother consumes large amounts of alcohol during the first trimester of pregnancy. This can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is characterized by facial dysmorphia, growth retardation, and intellectual disability. However, FAS is rare and not related to moderate alcohol intake during the second trimester.

Choice D reason: The fetus is placed at risk for altered brain growth, as alcohol can cross the placenta and affect the developing nervous system of the fetus. Alcohol exposure during the second trimester can impair the formation and migration of neurons, leading to reduced brain size and function. This can result in learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and cognitive impairments in the child.

Choice A reason: This is not the main reason, as the use of contraceptives for an extended time does not necessarily affect the fertility of a woman. Most contraceptives are reversible and do not cause permanent damage to the reproductive system. However, some contraceptives may take longer to wear off than others, and some may have side effects that can interfere with ovulation or implantation.

Choice B reason: This is the main reason, as the aging process can affect the ovaries and the quality and quantity of the eggs. As a woman ages, her ovarian reserve (the number of eggs in the ovaries) declines, and the eggs become more prone to chromosomal abnormalities. This can reduce the chances of conception and increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.

Choice C reason: This is not the main reason, as prepregnancy medical attention is not a prerequisite for achieving pregnancy. However, prepregnancy medical attention can be beneficial for a woman who is older than 35 years, as it can help identify and manage any existing or potential health problems that may affect the pregnancy, such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders.

Choice D reason: This is not the main reason, as personal risk behaviors are not specific to a woman who is older than 35 years. Personal risk behaviors are factors that can negatively affect the fertility of any woman, regardless of age. Some examples of personal risk behaviors are smoking, drinking, using drugs, having multiple sexual partners, or having sexually transmitted infections.