Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) refers to the total damage that is done to a child during development in its mother's womb due to alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome always involves brain damage, mental impairment, stunted physical growth and facial or head deformities and can result from any amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the primary causes of learning and social disabilities in children. The effects vary from child to child, but are all irreversible. Even if a child does not have all of the symptoms associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, the child may be born with alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disabilities (ARND). Children with ARND may demonstrate learning and behavioral problems caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.
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By: Daniel Clark | Safety and Quality Management System Specialist
