Fetal alcohol syndrome. How you can help prevent it.

Fetal alcohol syndrome results from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Clinical manifestations include growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, neurologic disorders, cardiac septal defects, and minor joint and limb abnormalities. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and a history of maternal alcohol consumption of more than two drinks per day. Total abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy, especially for moderate and heavy drinkers, should be advocated before conception or as early as possible in the prenatal period. With proper education and counseling, the incidence of this unfortunate but preventable syndrome could be significantly decreased.