Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a serious condition that can occur when a pregnant mother consumes alcohol. It can cause physical and mental disabilities, as well as behavioral issues in the unborn baby.
The short answer to your question is that FAS can occur at any age during the pregnancy. However, the risks for FAS increase as the pregnancy progresses and the baby is exposed to more alcohol. The most severe cases of FAS are found in babies whose mothers consumed alcohol heavily during the first trimester of pregnancy.
FAS is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Babies with mild cases of FAS may have only mild physical and/or mental disabilities, while those with more severe cases may have physical, mental, and behavioral disabilities.
Common physical characteristics of FAS include a smaller head circumference, distinctive facial features, poor growth, and heart defects. Mental disabilities can range from mild learning disabilities to more severe developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. Behavioral issues can include problems with impulse control, aggression, poor social skills, and difficulty with problem solving.
It’s important to remember that FAS is preventable, so pregnant women should abstain from alcohol consumption throughout their pregnancy to reduce their risk of having a baby with FAS.