Find out more about foetal alcohol syndrome, plus where to find help and advice.
FAS describes the damage, both physical and mental, caused to an unborn child in the womb as a result of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
FAS- The Facts
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders' (known as FAS) are a group of disorders that belong to the Autistic spectrum. This is primarily the reason for the condition's misdiagnosis as forms of Autism, or hyperactivity disorders.
For a diagnosis to be made there must be some of the following elements present: Evidence of maternal alcohol consumption, facial abnormalities, growth deficiencies, brain dysfunction, delay in development, intellectual impairment, learning/behavioural disorders, low IQ, poor judgement and impulses.
In babies the following symptoms may be present: low birth weight, small head, epicanthal folds, wide eyes, flattening of the mid-face, upturned nose, undeveloped jaw.There are an estimated 7,000 births a year assosciated with the condition in the UK, all of which are uncurable, yet 100% preventable.
Dr Hilary's advice
The most damaging time to drink is in the first three months, as this is key to foetal developments.
The exposure to toxins in alcohol increases the likelihood of damage to the growth of the baby. Dr Hilary believes women shouldn't drink during pregnancy, but if they do they should stick to DOH guidelines of 1-2 units once or twice a week.
Department of Health Official Guidance - Drinking during pregnancy
The DoH recommends that you avoid drinking alcohol if you're pregnant. You should avoid it if you're trying for a baby.
If you do choose to drink, you should not drink more than 1-2 units of alcohol once or twice a week (one small 125ml glass of wine is 1.5 units / half pint beer is 1 unit). You should not get drunk and you should avoid binge drinking.
For women, binge drinking means drinking more than six units of alcohol a day.