Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a permanent condition that occurs when a pregnant person drinks alcohol, causing physical and mental defects in the developing fetus. FAS is the most severe condition within a group of conditions called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) . FASDs refer to a collection of diagnoses that represent the range of effects that can happen to a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can affect each person in different ways and can range from mild to severe.

The signs and symptoms of FAS can vary, and one person might have only a few, while another person could experience all of them. Some of the physical defects that may occur include a thin upper lip, small eyes, and a smooth groove between the nose and upper lip. Other symptoms may include poor growth, birth defects, seizures, and neurologic problems such as learning disabilities, poor balance, and coordination.

Diagnosing FASDs can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, for these conditions. To diagnose FASDs, doctors look for prenatal alcohol exposure, although confirmation is not required to make a diagnosis. Doctors may also look for central nervous system involvement, which can be structural or functional.

There is no one particular treatment that is correct for everyone with FAS, as it exists on a spectrum of disorders and the way each person is impacted by the condition can vary greatly. However, parent training can help caregivers learn how to best care for a child with FAS. FAS is completely preventable if women dont drink alcohol at all during pregnancy.