Fetal alcohol syndrome

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Although doctors aren't sure how much alcohol you'd have to drink to place your baby at risk, they do know that the more you drink, the greater the chance of problems. Because there's no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, don't drink alcohol if you are or think you are pregnant or you're attempting to become pregnant. You could put your baby at risk even before you realize you're pregnant.

References
  1. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm. Accessed April 9, 2009.
  2. Sielski LA. Infants of mothers with substance abuse. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 10, 2009.
  3. 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.
  4. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/14332_1170.asp. Accessed April 9, 2009.
  5. 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.

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May 22, 2009

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