Fetal Alcohol Syndrome


Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect caused by a mother's alcohol intake during pregnancy. The symptoms of FAS are mental retardation, poor growth, facial defects, and behavioral problems. It is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in children. The effects are lifelong. Fetal alcohol effects (FAE) is a less severe set of the same symptoms. FAS is found in infants of all races and ethnic groups. Since it is not known how much

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that up to three children of every 2,000 are born with fetal alcohol syndrome. The condition causes physical and mental disabilities, but it is 100 percent preventable. [Photograph by David H. Wells. Corbis. Reproduced by permission.]
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that up to three children of every 2,000 are born with fetal alcohol syndrome. The condition causes physical and mental disabilities, but it is 100 percent preventable.
[Photograph by David H. Wells. Corbis. Reproduced by permission.]
alcohol a pregnant woman must drink to cause the syndrome, it is recommended that women not drink alcohol at all during pregnancy.

SEE ALSO A LCOHOL AND H EALTH ; P REGNANCY .

Sheah Rarback

Internet Resource

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. <http://www.nofas.org>

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