Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition that can occur in a fetus when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy [3]. It is a type of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) and it is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of the individual [2][3]. FAS is the most severe type of FASDs [2].

The symptoms of FAS can vary from one individual to another, but they usually include abnormal facial features, such as small eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip) [2][3]. These facial features are not always present, and they may be mild [2]. Other symptoms of FAS can include growth problems, such as low birth weight, slow growth, and poor coordination [2][3]. Additionally, individuals with FAS may have central nervous system (CNS) problems, such as intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems [2][3].

FAS is caused by alcohol exposure in the womb [3]. When a woman drinks alcohol, it quickly passes through the placenta and reaches the developing fetus [3]. Alcohol can damage the developing fetus by interfering with the growth of brain cells and the formation of connections between brain cells [3]. The damage caused by alcohol can be permanent and can lead to FAS [3].

There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, and there is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy [2][3]. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not drink alcohol at all [2][3]. If a woman is pregnant and has been drinking alcohol, she should stop drinking immediately and talk to her healthcare provider [3].

In summary, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition that can occur in a fetus when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. FAS is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of the individual. The symptoms of FAS can vary, but they usually include abnormal facial features, growth problems, and central nervous system problems. FAS is caused by alcohol exposure in the womb, and there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not drink alcohol at all.

Sources:

* [1] <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ALCOHOL>
* [2] <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352901>
* [3] <https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/facts.html>