Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Definition

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition in a child resulting from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy, causing brain damage and growth problems.

Analogy

Imagine trying to build a house while someone keeps throwing rocks at you. The rocks represent alcohol, and the house represents the developing baby. Just as those rocks could damage parts of your house or slow down construction, alcohol consumed during pregnancy interferes with normal fetal development leading to FAS.

Related terms

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): This is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother's womb.

Placenta: The organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall allowing nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. Alcohol can cross this barrier causing harm to the fetus.

Developmental Disabilities: These are chronic conditions due to mental or physical impairments. FAS is one such disability.