Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is caused by consuming alcohol during pregnancy. It is a syndrome that causes birth defects and mental retardation in the child. It is the leading cause of birth defects and mental retardation in the United States.
• FAS is completely preventable. If a mother does not drink at all during her pregnancy, her child will not be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or a similar condition.
• If a woman of childbearing age cannot completely abstain from drinking, it is important that the woman quit immediately when she finds out she's pregnant. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your doctor for more advice.
• If you have a problem and cannot stop drinking during your pregnancy, enroll yourself in a treatment or rehabilitation facility. For continued support, join a local Alcoholics Anonymous group or other local support group.

• http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm
• http://www.nofas.org
• http://www.ncadd.org/facts/defects.html