What is fetal alcohol syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a preventable set of birth defects caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.

At birth, children with FAS can be recognized by growth deficiency and a characteristic set of minor facial traits that tend to become more normal as the child matures. Less evident at birth - but far more devastating to FAS children and their families - are the lifelong effects of alcohol-induced damage to the developing brain. FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth defects. In addition to deficits in general intellectual functioning, individuals wit...