Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition characterized by abnormal facial features, growth retardation, and central nervous system problems. It can occur if a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. Children with fetal alcohol syndrome may have physical disabilities and problems with learning, memory, attention, problem solving, and social/behavioral problems.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is also called FAS.

When You Are Pregnant, Drinking Can Hurt Your Baby

When you are pregnant, your baby grows inside you. Everything you eat and drink while you are pregnant affects your baby. If you drink alcohol, it will probably hurt your baby’s growth. Your baby may have physical and behavioral problems that can last for the rest of his or her life. The more you drink while pregnant, the greater the risk to your unborn baby. The risk is present at any time during pregnancy.

Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are more likely to:

* Be born small.
* Have problems eating and sleeping.
* Have problems seeing and hearing.
* Have trouble following directions and learning how to do simple things.
* Have trouble paying attention and learning in school.
* Have trouble getting along with others and controlling their behavior.
* Need medical care all their lives.
* Need special teachers and schools.