One other factor besides maternal exposure to measles that could cause harm to a developing infant's nervous system is alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This can cause a range of developmental disorders known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which includes fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These disorders can result in physical, mental, and behavioral problems that can affect the child for their entire life.
Alcohol crosses the placenta and can damage the developing fetal brain, causing a range of problems including developmental delay, intellectual disability, learning and behavioral problems, and social and emotional difficulties. FASDs are entirely preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy. If a woman is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is recommended that she abstain from alcohol consumption to ensure the best possible outcome for her baby.