Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) refer to a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. These impairments may appear at any time during childhood and can last a lifetime. Research supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that between 1% and 5% of first graders in the U.S. may have FASD.
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can interfere with the development of the baby's brain and other organs, leading to structural or functional deficits such as cognitive, behavioral, motor, and coordination problems. Alcohol can affect development at any stage, even before pregnancy is recognized. Binge and heavy drinking carry the highest risk, but any amount of alcohol can cause harm. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
FASD disorders include fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, alcohol-related birth defects, and neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Central nervous system involvement—structural or functional—is common across these conditions. Unlike other FASD conditions, confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure is not required to diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome.
Since about half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends that women who are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are planning pregnancy abstain completely from alcohol. Prenatal alcohol exposure remains a leading preventable cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders. Women needing help stopping alcohol use can consult their health care provider for treatment options.