Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) are caused by maternal drinking of alcohol during pregnancy. Recent reports suggest that a pregnant should not drink any alcohol at all. Alcohol abuse during pregnancy can damage the fetus in numerous ways, depending on what trimester of pregnancy the woman is in at the time of drinking. The most severe effects on the fetus from alcohol use tend to occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, often before a mother can even know that she is pregnant.

Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effect include:

• growth retardation

• abnormalities of major organ systems such as heart and liver

• short palpebral fissures

• thin upper lip

• low base on nose

• microcephaly

• facial hair

• flat midface

• flattened and elongated philtrum (upper lip)

• minor ear normalies and micrognathia, language problems

• hyperactivity

• attention deficit problems

FAS is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in American today.