"Fetal alcohol syndrome" (FAS) was first described clinically in the early 1970's. FAS is now defined as a constellation of symptoms occurring in the offspring of some women who have consumed large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy. The syndrome usually involves mental retardation, small head size, small stature and a number of other more subtle skeletal and facial abnormalities such as wide-set eyes. The syndrome has not been identified in the offspring of any women who were not active alcoholics during pregnancy. In fact, approximately one out of ten women who are alcoholic during pregnancy will deliver a child who clearly suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome, which is said to occur in one to two out of every 1,000 live births. Research and physician training programs conducted at Boston University School of Medicine have demonstrated that women alcoholics can be successfully identified and treated, reducing the risk and incidence of FAS.

"Fetal alcohol effects" (FAE) is used to describe children who are thought to have some, but not all, of the components of fetal alcohol syndrome. Therefore, a child with fetal alcohol effects might have some musculo-skeletal abnormalities, but be of normal size and intelligence. Such a definition is difficult to apply on a consistent, reliable basis, since the diagnosis of fetal alcohol effects is a subjective one and no single test exists to adequately define its presence. In fact, some experts believe that FAE is not a valid diagnosis (i.e., it does not truly exist) and that other factors including nutrition, poverty, nicotine, caffeine, and drugs may play contributing or synergistic roles. FAE is said, by some, to occur in the children of some women who were binge drinkers or who consumed lower amounts of alcohol during pregnancy.

At this point, no data demonstrates any ill effects in children of women who, throughout their pregnancy, consumed less than two glasses of wine, beer or spirits a day. Even the most subtle effects - such as slight average decreases in birth weight - are seen only in infants of women who consumed three or more drinks per day throughout their pregnancy. The prenatal effects of alcohol consumption continue to be a very controversial subject. A great deal of disagreement exists about what constitutes a "safe" or "unsafe" level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This concern is based on potential - rather than proven - effects. The best recommendation is to consult a physician or other healthcare practitioner about drinking and other lifestyle factors during pregnancy.

Abel EL, Sokol J; Incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Economic Impact of FAS Related Anomalies; Drug and Alcohol Dependence 1987;19: 51-70.

Rosett HL, Weiner L; Alcohol and the Fetus: A Clinical Perspective; Oxford University Press, NewYork, NewYork, 1984.

Streissguth AP, et al.; IQ at Age 14 in Relation to Maternal Alcohol use and Smoking During Pregnancy; Developmental Psychology 1989; 2: 3-11.