Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

Children with FASDs might have the following characteristics or exhibit the following behaviors:

• Inadequate growth in the womb or after birth
• Facial abnormalities such as small eye openings
• Poor coordination
• Hyperactive behavior
• Learning disabilities (e.g., speech and language delays)
• Mental retardation or low IQ
• Poor reasoning and judgment skills
• Sleep and sucking disturbances in infancy

All FASDs are 100% preventable – if the woman does not drink alcohol while she is pregnant.

Source: GreenFacts, based on CDCFetal Alcohol Information 

One of the most severe FASDs is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). FAS is characterized by abnormal facial features, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system (CNS) problems. People with FAS might have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, hearing, or a combination of these.

Source: GreenFacts, based on CDCFetal Alcohol Information 

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