Understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
No amount of alcohol use is known to be safe during pregnancy. Any alcohol you drink can affect your baby, including wine and beer. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause birth defects. One serious type of birth defect is known as fetal alcohol syndrome. If you're planning to get pregnant, don't drink alcohol. Talk with your doctor. They can help you learn more.
What is fetal alcohol syndrome?
Fetal alcohol syndrome can happen to a baby who is exposed to alcohol before birth. It isn't one birth defect. It's a group of problems that include:
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A smaller head than normal.
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Certain facial features, which may go away later in life.
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Delayed growth, both before and after birth.
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Slow mental growth or mental retardation.
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Behavior problems.
Older children with fetal alcohol syndrome may struggle in school. They may not relate well to others, and they may often get in trouble. Sometimes they may have a hard time knowing right from wrong.
What causes it?
When you drink, your baby drinks too. But alcohol stays in your baby's body longer than in yours. As a result, it may damage your baby's brain. This can happen at any time during your pregnancy. But it's most likely to happen in the first 3 months.
How you can help prevent it
You may not know you’re pregnant right away. A pregnancy test can tell you 2 weeks after conception. If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, it's best not to drink any alcohol. As soon as you know you're pregnant, stop drinking right away.
If you need help
If you have a problem with alcohol, talk with your doctor. They can help you get treatment. Or contact a group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. They can offer guidance and support.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Robyn Zercher FNP
Online Medical Reviewer:
Vinita Wadhawan Researcher
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2025
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