Fetal alcohol syndrome

Alternative names:

alcohol in pregnancy; at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome; drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Prevention:

Abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy absolutely prevents fetal alcohol syndrome. Counseling is indicated to help prevent recurrence in women who have previously delivered a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. Sexually active women who drink heavily or are alcoholics should use highly effective contraceptive measures and control drinking behaviors or discontinue the use of alcohol prior to attempting to conceive.