Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) refers to a range of birth defects which can include abnormal facial features, growth retardation, nervous system problems and other physical problems.  It can occur if a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy.  Children with FASD may have physical disabilities and problems with learning, memory, attention, problem solving, and social/behavioral problems.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her baby.  There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant and there also does not appear to be a safe time to drink during pregnancy either.  Therefore, it is recommended that women abstain from drinking alcohol at any time during pregnancy.  Women who are contemplating becoming pregnant, or are sexually active, should refrain from drinking because they could become pregnant and not know for several weeks or more.

More Links:

http://come-over.to/FAS/news/alcoholmeth.htm

http://otispregnancy.org/pdf/FAS_booklet.pdf   

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050715/279.html