Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of physical/mental defects that can develop in a fetus associated with high maternal alcohol consumption.

FASD (Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) are a continuum of permanent birth defects caused by maternal alcohol consumption.

Alcohol exposure in any amount presents a risk of fetal brain damage at any point during pregnancy, since brain development is ongoing throughout pregnancy.

• Alcohol crosses the placental barrier
• Alcohol in fetuses can:
  • Interrupting development, stunting fetal growth or weight
  • Create distinctive facial stigmata
  • Permanently damage the CNS (especially the brain), because developing brain cells and structures can be malformed, which can result in ID (poor memory, attention deficit, poor cause-effect reasoning) and other psychological/behavioral problems (attention deficits, impulsive behavior, predisposition to mental health problems, drug addiction), and also other physical damage

• Current recommendation is to drink no alcohol at all during pregnancy

• FAS is the leading cause of ID
• Prevalence of FAS is 0.11%, and prevalence of FASD is 1%
• Lifetime cost of FAS is $800k per child
• 30% of pregnant women report maternal drinking

• Maternal smoking
• Maternal obesity
• Maternal nutrition