Causes+Of+Fetal+Alcohol+Spectrum+Disorder

Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the most significant cause of developmental disabilities known. With FASD being the most severe manifestation (Mary J. O'Connor, 2006, January, p. 1) The unborn child’s central nervous system and organs develop during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, 2013). At this time alcohol can have a teratogenic effect on the developing fetus. Very often a woman will not even know that she is even pregnant at this time and so even a conscientious woman may still be drinking alcohol. The best way to protect a baby from developing FASD is for fertile women who are engaged in sexual activities to refrain from alcohol use. As the saying goes, when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the baby does too.