Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is the most common cause of brain damage before birth (called congenital neurological deficits) and is related to alcohol intake by the mother during pregnancy. 

Alcohol intake during pregnancy causes a wide range of damage to an unborn child and results in many different disorders. The degree of damage varies according to the amount of alcohol consumed and the time during the pregnancy that the alcohol was consumed. Other factors such as maternal nutrition also contribute to the variation in the effects on the baby. A pattern of binge drinking is considered the most damaging (large amounts of alcohol consumed rapidly). 

Condition-specific organizations and resources

• About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CDC)
• FASD Facts - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Consultation, Education and Training Services (FASCETS)
• FASD United (formerly National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS)
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• Proof Alliance (formerly MOFAS)

Resource for alcohol retailers

Minnesota businesses that sell or serve alcohol are required to display an alcohol warning poster with information about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy.