Final answer:
Fetal alcohol syndrome is primarily caused by chronic maternal alcoholism and is characterized by distinctive physical and developmental challenges. There's no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, and FASD is entirely preventable through abstinence. Even a single drinking binge during critical development periods could result in FAS.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can result primarily from chronic maternal alcoholism. FAS is a severe form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which includes a variety of developmental disorders caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
The syndrome is characterized by distinctive facial features, growth deficiencies, and neurological problems. Alcohol as a teratogen can impact the development of the fetus at any time during pregnancy, but the risk and severity are increased with higher amounts and frequency of alcohol consumption, particularly early in pregnancy. Symptoms of FAS include small head size, abnormal facial features, cognitive difficulties, and behavioral issues.
There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, so FASDs are entirely preventable. Abstinence from alcohol while pregnant and trying to conceive is advised to prevent these disorders. While the syndrome is typically associated with chronic alcohol consumption by the mother, research suggests that even a single drinking binge during the critical periods of fetal development could potentially cause FAS.