Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have significant negative effects on a developing fetus. This condition is known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), which is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects that can occur in individuals exposed to alcohol before birth [3]. These effects may include physical, mental, and/or behavioral impairments, with varying degrees of severity [3].
The most severe form of FASD is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which is characterized by distinct facial abnormalities, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system dysfunction [1][3]. Other types of FASD include Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD), and Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE) [3].
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even light to moderate drinking during pregnancy can cause adverse effects [2]. However, the specific risk associated with different levels of alcohol consumption is not well-understood, and there is no known safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy [2][3].
In summary, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a range of physical, mental, and behavioral impairments in the developing fetus, collectively known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The most severe form of FASD is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which is characterized by distinct facial abnormalities, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system dysfunction. There is no known safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tradename: ALCOHOL. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ALCOHOL>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 1). Key Findings: Alcohol Use in Pregnancy. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/features/key-finding-acer.html>
3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2019, August). Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from <https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders>