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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that results from prenatal alcohol exposure. If you drink during pregnancy, you place your baby at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.
The defects that are part of fetal alcohol syndrome are irreversible and can include serious physical, mental and behavioral problems, though they vary from one child to another.
As many as 40,000 babies are born with some type of alcohol-related damage each year in the United States.
If you suspect that your child has fetal alcohol syndrome, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis may reduce the risk of problems associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, including troubles at school, with substance abuse and with the law.
Symptoms- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Sielski LA. Infants of mothers with substance abuse. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 10, 2009.
- Effects of alcohol on a fetus. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA07-4275.pdf. Accessed April 11, 2009.
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/14332_1170.asp. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Getting a diagnosis. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/WYNKDiagnosis_5_colorJA_new.pdf. Accessed April 9, 2009.
