Definition of Fetal alcohol syndrome:

Fetal alcohol syndrome refers to growth, mental, and physical problems that may occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Using or abusing alcohol during pregnancy can cause the same risks as using alcohol in general. However, it poses extra risks to the fetus. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it easily passes across the placenta to the fetus. Because of this, drinking alcohol can harm the baby's development.

A pregnant woman who drinks any amount of alcohol is at risk, since no "safe" level of alcohol use during pregnancy has been established. However, larger amounts appear to increase the problems. Many birth defects associated with fetal alcohol syndrome are commonly caused by heavy alcohol use or alcoholism.

Timing of alcohol use during pregnancy is also important. Alcohol use appears to be the most harmful during the first three months of pregnancy.