Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Alcohol is a teratogen. That being the case, the teratogenic effects of alcohol can also induce fetal malformations both at the earliest, as well as at the lowest level of intake, its effectiveness spreading differentially over the whole spectrum of reproduction. When FAS is diagnosed, there is a known, or strongly suspected history of maternal use of alcohol. FAS is a pattern of malformations and disabilities resulting from a pregnant woman drinking heavily during her …

…most noticeable behaviour problems are found to be with comprehension, judgement and attention skills, causing the adults born with FAS to experience major psychosocial and adjustment problems for the rest of their lives. FAS is a problem found in all races and socio-economic groups. FAS is irreversible to physical and mental damage. The only way to prevent FAS is for a pregnant woman to abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages during the entire pregnancy.