For more information on
What is Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome?
It is a disorder that can affect the embryo
when a pregnant woman ingests any
amount of alcohol during pregnancy. The
ingestion of alcohol does not always result
in FAS, but no amount of alcohol whatso-
ever is proven safe for consumption during
pregnancy. The current recommendation of
both the US Surgeon General and the UK
Department of Health is not to drink alco-
hol at all during pregnancy. FAS is the
leading known cause of mental retardation
and birth defects.
BABY FIRST!
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome contact:
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
(NOFAS) (800) 66 NOFAS Toll Free
http://www.nofas.org
The ARC of the United States (A National Organization on
Mental Retardation) (800) 433-5255
http://www.thearc.org
The Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit (University of Washington)
http://depts.washington.edu/fadu (206) 543-7155
The Centers for Disease Control FAS Prevention Branch
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas
SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence
http://fascenter.samhsa.gov (866) STOPFAS Stop and
think.
How Your Nurse Can Help
*Someone to talk to If you’re
*Assistance in finding help
*Information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome pregnant,
Brochure presented by: don’t drink!

Facts and Statistics of
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• More than 1 in 5 pregnant women report al-
cohol use in the first trimester, 1 in 14 in the
second trimester, and 1 in 20 in the third tri-
mester.
• The lifetime cost for one individual with FAS
in 2002 was estimated to be $2 million.
• The cost to the nation of FAS alone may
be up to $6 billion each year.
• FAS is the leading preventable cause of
mental retardation!
• Symptoms may not become obvious until the
child reaches the age of 3 or 4.
• FAS is found in all races and all socio-
economic groups
• FAS is a LIFELONG, INVISIBLE, and
IRREVERSIBLE disability!!
Is there a cure for
A person with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
might have:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
• NO!!!!! There is no cure for FAS.
• Abnormal facial features, such as a smooth
ridge between the nose and upper lip (this ridge • If children with FAS get help early, they
may do better.
is called the philtrum)
• Small head size • If you think your child has FAS, or if you
• Shorter-than-average height drank alcohol while you were pregnant,
you should talk with your child’s doctor as
• Low body weight soon as possible.
• Poor coordination
• Hyperactive behavior
• Difficulty paying attention
• Poor memory
• Difficulty in school (especially with math)
• Learning disabilities
• Speech and language delays
• Intellectual disability or low IQ
• Poor reasoning and judgment skills
• Sleep and sucking problems as a baby
How can you prevent FAS?
• Vision or hearing problems
• Problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones • Do not drink alcohol if you are pregnant or
planning to be pregnant.
• If you think you might be pregnant, stop
drinking
• Do not wait until you know for sure that
you are pregnant.
• If you have trouble stopping your drinking,
you should use birth control so you do not
get pregnant until you can stop drinking.
• The father’s role is also important in help-
ing the woman abstain from drinking alco-
hol during pregnancy.