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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is caused by exposure of a fetus to alcohol during the mother’s pregnancy.

 

The effects of FAS can vary greatly and include:

 

  • changes to the way the baby’s face looks

  • problems with development of the central nervous system – this may lead to learning disabilities, poor co-ordination, poor muscle tone, memory and language problems, difficulties in planning, and behavioural problems

  • babies with FAS are often smaller before and after birth.

 

The exact prevalence of FAS is not known. However, studies in England and Scotland have shown rates to be 0.21 per 1000 live births in 2004.

 

Related information

 

 

 

 

 

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