According to the Federal government, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. The term FASD is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis.
These disorders occur in one out of every 100 babies born in the United States. Children with an FASD may have low birth weights and learning and/or behavioral issues. They may also look different, with certain distinguishing physical characteristics. Some children may have birth defects. Other children may have no noticeable physical differences.
What causes FASDs?
Drinking alcohol (including beer, wine or liquor) during pregnancy may cause an FASD. No known amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
Alcohol can cause brain damage, facial changes, and physical and growth problems. It destroys cells that help parts of the body grow, and limits the amount of oxygen and nutrients babies receive.
The brain is the organ most affected before the baby is born, and alcohol may damage the parts of the brain that control coordination, judgment, self control, and memory. This is why many children with an FASD have trouble grasping objects, learning, behaving appropriately, and paying attention. In fact, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental health issue for individuals living with an FASD.
Contact and More Information:
If you would like more information on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder clinic at Fullerton Genetics Center call us at 828-213-1051, or use our online contact form.
Fullerton Genetics Center
14 Victoria Rd.
Asheville, NC 28801
Maps & Directions
If you have questions about alcohol use during pregnancy, you can call the Pregnancy Exposure Riskline at 800-532-6302. This is a confidential, toll-free number for North Carolina residents.
