Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most severe condition within a group of conditions called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

Fetal alcohol syndrome happens when a person drinks any alcohol during pregnancy, including wine, beer, hard ciders and “hard liquor”. 

• There’s no safe amount that can be consumed. Damage to your developing baby can happen at any point during pregnancy. Even having a drink at the very beginning isn’t safe.

• Alcohol use during pregnancy can interfere with the baby’s development, causing physical and mental defects. 

  • Alcohol can interfere with the normal development of the fetus, particularly the brain and central nervous system.

• Without alcohol use, FAS doesn’t happen.

Infants

• Abnormal facial features, including a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip, a thin upper lip, and small eyes.

• Low body weight.

• Short height.

• Sleep and sucking difficulties.

• Small head size.

• Vision or hearing problems.

Early Childhood and beyond

• Delayed speech and language development.

• Difficulty concentrating and short attention span.

• Difficulty telling the difference between reality and fantasy.

• Hyperactivity.

• Low IQ.

• Poor coordination.

• Poor reasoning and judgment skills.

• Learning disabilities.