Psychology

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
“FAS stand for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. FAS, a disorder characterized by growth retardation, facial abnormalies, and central nervous system dysfunction (CNS), is caused by woman’s use of alcohol during pregnancy” (FAQS, 2002). Several studies have found that women, who drink while being pregnant, put their developing fetus at risk of birth defects and spontaneous abortion (FAS, 2002). When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes easily through the placenta to her fetus. "The alcohol interferes with the ability of the fetus to received oxygen and nourishment for normal cell development"(FAS, 1994). “The U.S Public Heath Service has indicated that there is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy. All drinks containing alcohol can hurt an unborn baby. A standard 12-ounce can of beer has the same amount of alcohol as a 4-ounce glass of wine”
(Wegmann). The effects of alcohol on a fetus vary, depending on the amount and frequency of the pr...