What is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) refers to growth, mental, and physical problems that may occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. The defects that are part of foetal alcohol syndrome are irreversible and can include serious physical, mental and behavioral problems, though they vary from one child to another. Foetal alcohol syndrome is a growing problem in South Africa along with other birth defects caused by drug usage (‘crack babies’). While foetal alcohol syndrome is often thought to be a result of alcohol abuse, even moderate alcohol usage during pregnancy can result in FAS.
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