Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs): Risks During Pregnancy

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a baby born to a mother who drinks alcohol during pregnancy. These conditions can include:

- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS): This is the most severe form of FASD and is caused by heavy drinking during pregnancy. FAS can cause a range of physical and mental problems, including:

* Growth retardation

* Intellectual disabilities

* Learning disabilities

* Behavioral problems

* Vision problems

* Hearing loss

* Heart defects

* Kidney problems

* Liver problems

- Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND): This condition is caused by moderate drinking during pregnancy and can cause a range of problems, including:

* Learning disabilities

* Behavioral problems

* Attention problems

* Memory problems

* Social problems

- Alcohol-related birth defects: These are birth defects that are caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. These defects can include:

* Heart defects

* Cleft lip and palate

* Limb defects

* Kidney defects

* Brain damage

It is important to note that even moderate drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of FASDs. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, so the best way to protect your baby is to avoid alcohol completely.