Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the term for severe birth defects caused by alcohol use during pregnancy.
Children who have FAS may have:
- Distinctive facial features, which include a small head, a flat face, narrow eye openings, a short upturned nose, a flattened groove between the nose and the upper lip (philtrum), and a thin upper lip.
- Low birth weight and slowed growth.
- Central nervous system problems, including small head size, poor fine motor skills, or poor eye-hand coordination.
- Behavior and thinking (cognitive) problems, which may include poor attention, concentration, memory, and comprehension skills; difficulty with math skills; hyperactivity; and extreme mood changes.
A child who has FAS may also have birth defects that involve the eyes, ears, heart, urinary tract, or bones.
Current as of: October 24, 2023