Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a group of birth defects caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have many physical, mental, and behavioral problems. They are small, underweight babies and may be retarded. As they get older, they often have trouble with learning, attention, memory, and problem solving. They may have poor coordination, be impulsive, and have speech and hearing problems. The effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome last a lifetime. Most children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have trouble with work and with personal relationships when they become adults. Many also have legal problems. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome cannot be reversed, but it can be prevented by not drinking alcohol when pregnant.

Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have:

Abnormal facial features such as a thin upper lip, short nose, short eye openings, and flat cheeks and philtrum (the groove in the middle of the upper lip).

Growth retardation. They are small and underweight at birth.

Brain damage. They may be mentally retarded or have problems with development, learning, and behavior.

All of these birth defects are caused by drinking alcohol in pregnancy.

Alcohol enters the blood stream when a pregnant woman drinks beer, wine, hard liquor, or other alcoholic beverages. The alcohol in the mother's blood goes to her baby through the umbilical cord. When the alcohol enters the baby's body, it can cause birth defects. Drinking alcohol in the early stages of pregnancy can cause the facial and other physical defects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Drinking alcohol at any time during pregnancy can slow down the baby's growth and affect the baby's brain. There is no time during pregnancy when it is ok to drink alcohol.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can not be cured. However, children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be helped. They may need hearing aids or eyeglasses. They should get regular medical care. When they go to school, they need special help due to their disabilities. As children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome get older, they may need special services and support to help them live on their own.

Not all women who drink alcohol during pregnancy will have a child born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. But, not drinking alcohol is the only sure way to protect your baby from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Here Are Some Questions You May Have About Alcohol and Drinking While You Are Pregnant.

1. Can I drink alcohol if I am pregnant?

No. Do not drink alcohol when you are pregnant. Why? Because when you drink alcohol, so does your baby. Think about it. Everything you drink, your baby also drinks.

2. Is any kind of alcohol safe to drink during pregnancy?

No. Drinking any kind of alcohol when you are pregnant can hurt your baby. Alcoholic drinks are beer, wine, wine coolers, liquor, or mixed drinks. A glass of wine, a can of beer, and a mixed drink all have about the same amount of alcohol.

3. What if I drank during my last pregnancy and my baby was fine?

Every pregnancy is different. Drinking alcohol may hurt one baby more than another. You could have one child that is born healthy, and another child that is born with problems.

4. Will these problems go away?

No. These problems will last for a child's entire life. People with severe Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may not be able to take care of themselves as adults. They may never be able to work.

5. What if I am pregnant and have been drinking?

If you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. You will feel better and your baby will have a good chance to be born healthy. If you want to get pregnant, do not drink alcohol. You may not know you are pregnant right away. Alcohol can hurt a baby even when you are only 1 or 2 months pregnant.