Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a set of physical and mental birth defects that results when a mother drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks any alcohol, such as beer, wine, or mixed drinks, so does her baby. Alcohol passes through the placenta right into the developing baby. The baby may suffer lifelong damage as a result.
FAS is characterized by brain damage, facial deformities, and growth deficits. Heart, liver, and kidney defects are also common, as are vision and hearing problems. Individuals with FAS have difficulties with learning, attention, memory, and problem solving.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. The term FASD is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis.
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