Can heavy drinking kill your fetus?

Yes, heavy drinking can kill your fetus. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy, even in small amounts, can have negative effects on your unborn baby. However, heavy drinking can cause serious problems, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is a cluster of birth defects that occur in a child whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. It can cause lifelong intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as physical problems such as a small head, small eyes, and a flat nasal bridge. In some cases, FAS can also be fatal. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to avoid alcohol completely.