What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is one of the most common causes of mental retardation and the only one that is 100% preventable. The effects are irreversible and last  a lifetime. 

The effects of FAS include: mental retardation, malformations of  the skeletal system and major organ systems (specifically the heart and brain),  growth deficiencies,  central nervous system problems, poor motor skills, mortality, and  problems with learning, memory, social interaction,  attention span, problem solving, speech and/or hearing. 

There  are also facial features that are characteristic  of babies with  FAS. These features include: small eyes, short or upturned nose, flat cheeks, and thin lips. These  features fade as  the child grows up, but  the child is left  with a lifetime of difficulties trying to cope  with other effects. 

What are Fetal Alcohol Effects? 

The two categories  for Fetal Alcohol Effects  are Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD): 

ARND describes  the mental and behavioral impairments  such as learning disabilities,  poor school performance,  poor impulse control,  and problems with memory, attention and/or judgment. 

ARBD describes  the malformations  of the skeletal system  and major organ systems  such as defects of the heart, kidneys, bones, and/or auditory system. 

How is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome different from Fetal Alcohol Effects? 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is  a result  of high doses  of alcohol consumption during pregnancy such as binge drinking and/or drinking on  a regular basis. Fetal Alcohol Effects  are a result of moderate drinking throughout  pregnancy. The effects  of FAE are still irreversible  and lifelong. 

Is any amount of alcohol safe to drink? 

There is no amount of alcohol that is safe to consume  during your pregnancy, but the more  alcohol consumed, the greater the risk  to your developing baby. 

How can I prevent FAS and FAE? 

Fetal  Alcohol Syndrome  and Fetal  Alcohol Effects are 100% preventable for a woman who completely abstains from alcohol during her pregnancy. Therefore, if you are aware that you  are pregnant, trying  to get pregnant,  or think you could be pregnant, you should not consume any amount of alcohol.