Risks of alcohol consumption and FASDs
Penny cited the following
6 peer-reviewed research articles
6 professionally-backed sources
3 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with a range of risks for both the pregnant person and the developing fetus. The most serious consequence is fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), a group of lifelong physical, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities. There is no known safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy, and leading health organizations recommend complete abstinence to prevent these risks.
Key Points
What Are FASDs?
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) refer to a group of conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These include:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): The most severe form, with distinct facial features, growth problems, and central nervous system issues.
- Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND): Learning and behavioral problems without the full FAS facial features.
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Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD): Physical defects in organs such as the heart, kidneys, or bones.
1ArticleAbout Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can affect each person in different ways and can range from mild to severe. People with FASDs can have lifelong effects, including problems with behavior ...→
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2ArticleFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: MedlinePlusDrinking alcohol while pregnant can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The most severe is fetal alcohol syndrome. Learn the risks and available treatments and therapies.→medlineplus.gov
3ArticleFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Symptoms, Causes & TreatmentFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together as the result of a particular disease or abnormal condition. When someone has fetal alcohol syndrome, they’re ...→Cleveland Clinic
4ArticleAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These are the most severe problems that can happen when a woman drinks during pregnancy. These include fetal death. Infants born with FAS have abnormal facial features.→Johns Hopkins Medicine
Risks of Alcohol Use in Pregnancy
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No Safe Amount: Research consistently shows there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Even low or moderate drinking can affect fetal development.
2ArticleFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: MedlinePlusDrinking alcohol while pregnant can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The most severe is fetal alcohol syndrome. Learn the risks and available treatments and therapies.→3ArticleFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Symptoms, Causes & TreatmentFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together as the result of a particular disease or abnormal condition. When someone has fetal alcohol syndrome, they’re ...→4ArticleAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These are the most severe problems that can happen when a woman drinks during pregnancy. These include fetal death. Infants born with FAS have abnormal facial features.→5ArticleAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCAlcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum ...→6ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.→7ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC WestWe found very few studies that answered the research question on the specific range of alcohol exposure. The studies we found provided some evidence that even light alcoholconsumptioninpregnancy is associated with a small increase in risk of preterm delivery and babies being born small for ...→
ARC West
8ArticleFetal alcohol spectrum disorders | Nature Reviews Disease PrimersHarm from prenatal alcohol exposure ... alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment with or without facial dysmorphology, congenital anomalies and poor growth....→Nature
9ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweight→NHS Inform
10ArticleDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterStillbirth and fetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a December 2021 study suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.→UT Southwestern Medical Center
11ArticleGlobal Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Among Children and Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMedResults: A total of 24 unique studies ... of FASD among children and youth in the general population was estimated to be 7.7 per 1000 population (95% CI, 4.9-11.7 per 1000 population)....→PubMed
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Timing: Alcohol can harm the fetus at any stage of pregnancy, including before a person knows they are pregnant. The first trimester is especially sensitive, but risks remain throughout pregnancy.
3ArticleFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Symptoms, Causes & TreatmentFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together as the result of a particular disease or abnormal condition. When someone has fetal alcohol syndrome, they’re ...→5ArticleAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCAlcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum ...→6ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.→9ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweight→10ArticleDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterStillbirth and fetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a December 2021 study suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.→
- Types of Harm:
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Increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth.
4ArticleAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These are the most severe problems that can happen when a woman drinks during pregnancy. These include fetal death. Infants born with FAS have abnormal facial features.→5ArticleAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCAlcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum ...→6ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.→10ArticleDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterStillbirth and fetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a December 2021 study suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.→12ArticleUnderstanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) refers to the wide range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments that occur due to alcohol exposure before birth (also known as prenatal alcohol exposure). These impairments may appear at any time during childhood and last a lifetime.→
niaaa.nih.gov
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Increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth.
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Low birthweight and impaired growth.
4ArticleAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These are the most severe problems that can happen when a woman drinks during pregnancy. These include fetal death. Infants born with FAS have abnormal facial features.→5ArticleAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCAlcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum ...→6ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.→7ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC WestWe found very few studies that answered the research question on the specific range of alcohol exposure. The studies we found provided some evidence that even light alcoholconsumptioninpregnancy is associated with a small increase in risk of preterm delivery and babies being born small for ...→8ArticleFetal alcohol spectrum disorders | Nature Reviews Disease PrimersHarm from prenatal alcohol exposure ... alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment with or without facial dysmorphology, congenital anomalies and poor growth....→9ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweight→10ArticleDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterStillbirth and fetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a December 2021 study suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.→13ArticleAlcohol Use in Pregnancy - PMCPrevious studies have noted that overall maternal alcohol consumption, including first-trimester or late-pregnancy use, can be associated with intrauterine growth restriction as well as an increased risk of stillbirth.14,38,39 However, the impact of maternal specifically low-dose alcohol ...→
PubMed Central
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Lifelong neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems, including learning disabilities, attention deficits, and social difficulties.
1ArticleAbout Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can affect each person in different ways and can range from mild to severe. People with FASDs can have lifelong effects, including problems with behavior ...→2ArticleFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: MedlinePlusDrinking alcohol while pregnant can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The most severe is fetal alcohol syndrome. Learn the risks and available treatments and therapies.→3ArticleFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Symptoms, Causes & TreatmentFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together as the result of a particular disease or abnormal condition. When someone has fetal alcohol syndrome, they’re ...→4ArticleAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These are the most severe problems that can happen when a woman drinks during pregnancy. These include fetal death. Infants born with FAS have abnormal facial features.→5ArticleAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCAlcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum ...→8ArticleFetal alcohol spectrum disorders | Nature Reviews Disease PrimersHarm from prenatal alcohol exposure ... alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment with or without facial dysmorphology, congenital anomalies and poor growth....→10ArticleDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterStillbirth and fetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a December 2021 study suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.→
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Physical birth defects, especially with higher or binge-level exposures.
1ArticleAbout Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can affect each person in different ways and can range from mild to severe. People with FASDs can have lifelong effects, including problems with behavior ...→3ArticleFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Symptoms, Causes & TreatmentFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together as the result of a particular disease or abnormal condition. When someone has fetal alcohol syndrome, they’re ...→4ArticleAlcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins MedicineFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These are the most severe problems that can happen when a woman drinks during pregnancy. These include fetal death. Infants born with FAS have abnormal facial features.→6ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.→
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Binge Drinking: Consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period (binge drinking) greatly increases the risk of FASDs and other alcohol-related harm.
6ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaPregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.→12ArticleUnderstanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) refers to the wide range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments that occur due to alcohol exposure before birth (also known as prenatal alcohol exposure). These impairments may appear at any time during childhood and last a lifetime.→13ArticleAlcohol Use in Pregnancy - PMCPrevious studies have noted that overall maternal alcohol consumption, including first-trimester or late-pregnancy use, can be associated with intrauterine growth restriction as well as an increased risk of stillbirth.14,38,39 However, the impact of maternal specifically low-dose alcohol ...→
Prevalence and Impact
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FASD Prevalence: Globally, FASDs affect an estimated 7.7 per 1,000 children and youth, though rates are higher in some populations.
11ArticleGlobal Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Among Children and Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMedResults: A total of 24 unique studies ... of FASD among children and youth in the general population was estimated to be 7.7 per 1000 population (95% CI, 4.9-11.7 per 1000 population)....→14ArticlePrevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among special subpopulations: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMedPrevalence estimates were collated for all included studies with country-, disorder- [FASDand fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)] and population-specific random-effects meta-analyses conducted. Setting and participants: A number of service-defined subpopulations globally (see Findings). Measurements: The main outcome ...→15ArticlePopulation-based prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Canada | BMC Public Health | Full TextBackground Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most disabling potential outcomes of prenatal alcohol exposure. The population-based prevalenceofFASD among the general population of Canada was unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the population-based prevalence ...→
BioMed Central
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Preventability: FASDs are entirely preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy.
1ArticleAbout Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDCFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can affect each person in different ways and can range from mild to severe. People with FASDs can have lifelong effects, including problems with behavior ...→3ArticleFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Symptoms, Causes & TreatmentFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together as the result of a particular disease or abnormal condition. When someone has fetal alcohol syndrome, they’re ...→9ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweight→11ArticleGlobal Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Among Children and Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMedResults: A total of 24 unique studies ... of FASD among children and youth in the general population was estimated to be 7.7 per 1000 population (95% CI, 4.9-11.7 per 1000 population)....→
Why Is There No "Safe" Limit?
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Individual Differences: The effects of alcohol can vary based on genetics, timing, amount, and other factors, making it impossible to predict which pregnancies will be affected.
5ArticleAbout Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDCAlcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum ...→8ArticleFetal alcohol spectrum disorders | Nature Reviews Disease PrimersHarm from prenatal alcohol exposure ... alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment with or without facial dysmorphology, congenital anomalies and poor growth....→10ArticleDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterStillbirth and fetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a December 2021 study suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.→13ArticleAlcohol Use in Pregnancy - PMCPrevious studies have noted that overall maternal alcohol consumption, including first-trimester or late-pregnancy use, can be associated with intrauterine growth restriction as well as an increased risk of stillbirth.14,38,39 However, the impact of maternal specifically low-dose alcohol ...→
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Research Gaps: While heavy and binge drinking are clearly linked to FASDs, even light drinking has been associated with small increases in risk for preterm birth and low birthweight. There is not enough evidence to establish a "safe" threshold.
7ArticleAlcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC WestWe found very few studies that answered the research question on the specific range of alcohol exposure. The studies we found provided some evidence that even light alcoholconsumptioninpregnancy is associated with a small increase in risk of preterm delivery and babies being born small for ...→10ArticleDrinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterStillbirth and fetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a December 2021 study suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.→
Summary
Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong and preventable conditions known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). There is no known safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy, and the safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. FASDs can result in physical, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities, and the risk increases with the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed. If you have concerns about alcohol use during pregnancy, it might be beneficial to discuss them with your OB/GYN or healthcare provider, who can work with you on your personal course of care.
1
Article
About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) | CDC
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can affect each person in different ways and can range from mild to severe. People with FASDs can have lifelong effects, including problems with behavior ...
2
Article
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: MedlinePlus
Drinking alcohol while pregnant can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The most severe is fetal alcohol syndrome. Learn the risks and available treatments and therapies.
3
Article
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen together as the result of a particular disease or abnormal condition. When someone has fetal alcohol syndrome, they’re ...
4
Article
Alcohol and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These are the most severe problems that can happen when a woman drinks during pregnancy. These include fetal death. Infants born with FAS have abnormal facial features.
5
Article
About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDC
Alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum ...
6
Article
Alcohol and pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Pregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcoholduringpregnancy.
7
Article
Alcohol and pregnancy: is drinking up two units twice a week ‘safe’ or should pregnant women completely abstain? - ARC West
We found very few studies that answered the research question on the specific range of alcohol exposure. The studies we found provided some evidence that even light alcoholconsumptioninpregnancy is associated with a small increase in risk of preterm delivery and babies being born small for ...
8
Article
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders | Nature Reviews Disease Primers
Harm from prenatal alcohol exposure ... alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment with or without facial dysmorphology, congenital anomalies and poor growth....
9
Article
Alcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby!
Information about alcoholandpregnancy. Includes how alcohol can affect babies, making it more likely they'll be born early or underweight
10
Article
Drinking while pregnant: What we know and what we don’t | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical Center
Stillbirth and fetal growth restriction also are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Results from a December 2021 study suggest that alcohol consumption in pregnancy leads to smaller placentas with abnormal blood vessels and abnormal function on the molecular level.
11
Article
Global Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Among Children and Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMed
Results: A total of 24 unique studies ... of FASD among children and youth in the general population was estimated to be 7.7 per 1000 population (95% CI, 4.9-11.7 per 1000 population)....
12
Article
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) refers to the wide range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments that occur due to alcohol exposure before birth (also known as prenatal alcohol exposure). These impairments may appear at any time during childhood and last a lifetime.