Fetal alcohol syndrome

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Treatment Prevention Coping skills

Introduction

Fetal 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. Fetal alcohol syndrome affects an estimated one to two out of every 1,000 births 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 in life associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, including troubles at school, with substance abuse and with the law.

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Signs and symptoms