What are some effects of alcohol on the fetus?

FASDs are a group of birth defects that can occur in children whose mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy. These birth defects can include:

- Physical deformities, such as facial abnormalities, heart defects, and limb deformities

- Intellectual disabilities, such as learning disabilities, memory problems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

- Behavioral problems, such as aggression, impulsivity, and poor social skills

Alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to other problems in children, such as:

- Low birth weight

- Preterm birth

- Stillbirth

- Miscarriage

The risk of FASDs is related to the amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy. The more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater the risk of her child having FASDs.

There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. The only way to completely prevent FASDs is to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.