Alcohol

and

Pregnancy

• Alcohol has the potential to cause damage to the fetus during pregnancy.

• Alcohol is a teratogenic substance that can produce birth defects in the developing embryo or fetus.

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is classified as an alcohol related birth defect

• Features of FAS:

- pre and post-natal growth retardation

- adverse effects on the CNS such as:

• intellectual impairment
• developmental delay
• behavior problems

- characteristic facial features such as:

• flattened mid face
• small jaw and a thin upper lip
• small head in circumference

• It is possible that some alcohol related birth defects may be from the male, since in most cases fathers of FAS children are also heavy drinkers.

• Light drinking by pregnant women has not been proven to harm the fetus: (light drinking is 1-2 standard drinks per day, between 4-6 days aweek, that includes 2 alcohol free days a week.)

• Research suggests that even one drinking session of 5 to 6 drinks early in the pregnancy could be enough to cause mental retardation and many facial defects that are associated with FAS.

• Neurological defects can also occur from too much alcohol use/abuse:

- behavior problems

- learning disabilities

- ADD / ADHD

- hyperactivity

- aggression

- violent tendencies

- impulsivity or reduces personality and increased shyness.