Heavy alcohol use during pregnancy can have significant negative impacts on fetal development, leading to a range of disorders known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) [3]. FASDs are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy [3]. These effects can include physical, behavioral, and learning problems with lifelong implications [3].

The severity of FASDs depends on the amount and timing of alcohol exposure during pregnancy [1][3]. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause brain damage and growth problems in the baby [1]. Alcohol can also cause birth defects and developmental disabilities [1].

Heavy drinking during pregnancy is defined as having eight or more drinks per week [2]. Binge drinking, which is defined as having four or more drinks on one occasion, is also particularly dangerous for the developing fetus [2].

It is important to note that there is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant [1]. The safest choice is to not drink alcohol at all while pregnant [1].

In summary, heavy alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to a range of fetal development issues, collectively known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). These disorders can have lifelong implications for the affected individual. The severity of FASDs depends on the amount and timing of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant, and the safest choice is to not drink alcohol at all while pregnant.

Sources:
[1] <https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/features/key-finding-acer.html>
[2] <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/HEAVY>
[3] <https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders>