What is a serious result of a pregnant woman consuming alcohol?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a serious condition that can occur in infants whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. It is characterized by a range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems. The severity of FAS can lead to lifelong disabilities, affecting growth, facial features, and neurological development, among other issues.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it crosses the placental barrier and affects the developing fetus. Alcohol can disrupt normal cellular processes, leading to abnormal development of the brain and other organs. Children with FAS may exhibit distinct facial features, including a smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, and small eyes, in addition to cognitive impairments and developmental delays.

While low birth weight, preterm birth, and neonatal abstinence syndrome are also concerning outcomes of maternal alcohol consumption, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome stands out because of its specific and severe long-term effects on a child's physical and mental health. It represents the most severe spectrum of Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ARND) caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Hence, the association of FAS with severe and lifelong impacts makes it a critical focus in discussions of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.