Frequently Asked Questions about FAS/E

Q: What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

A: It is the name given physical and mental birth defects that are the direct result of a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Q: How common is FAS?

A: At least 2,700 infants in the U.S. are born each year with FAS, or approximately 6.7 out of every 10,000 birth. Since 1983, there has been a six-fold increase in the percentage of babies born with FAS.

Q: Is there a safe amount of alcohol that a pregnant woman can drink?

A: It is best not to drink at all during pregnancy. Studies have not determined a safe level of alcohol, and the risk can vary depending on a woman’s chemical and physical metabolism. The adverse effects may vary with the stage of pregnancy and the amount consumed.

Q: How does a mother’s drinking affect a fetus?

A: Research has shown that alcohol passes through the bloodstream via the placenta to the growing fetus. Since the baby’s organs are immature, the alcohol is broken down much more slowly than in an adult. As a result, the alcohol level in the fetus’s blood can be higher than that in the mother and can remain high for a longer period of time.

Q: How does a mother’s drinking affect a fetus?

A: Research has shown that alcohol passes through the bloodstream via the placenta to the growing fetus. Since the baby’s organs are immature, the alcohol is broken down much more slowly than in an adult. As a result, the alcohol level in the fetus’s blood can be higher than that in the mother and can remain high for a longer period of time.

Q: Can FAS be cured?

A: Birth defects related to alcohol use are permanent, although surgery can repair some physical problems and some special education programs can improve mental disabilities. However, children born with FAS remain below average in physical and mental development throughout their lives.

Q: Can a father’s drinking cause FAS?

A: A father’s drinking does not directly cause FAS, but a woman’s drinking behavior is influenced by the drinking behavior of her partner, family and community. A partner, as well as families and friends, can play an important role in helping the pregnant woman refrain from alcohol.

Q: Can FAS adults have FAS children?

A: FAS is not a genetic disorder. However, there is debate over whether children of alcoholic parents have a predisposition to drink. Only by drinking can a mother cause FAS in her unborn child.

Q: Do other drugs cause FAS?

A: No drug or medication should be taken during pregnancy without first consulting a doctor. By definition, FAS is caused by alcohol, but drugs and smoking also may contribute to mental and physical birth defects.

Source: The Arc, a national organization on mental retardation.