FASD
* Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is a term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. Diagnostic terminology include: FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), Partial FAS (partial fetal alcohol syndrome), FAE (fetal alcohol effects), ARND (alcohol related neurodevelopment disorder), and ARBD (alcohol related birth defects). There is currently no consensus in the United States on the terms for diagnostic descriptions of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure other than FAS. The Center for Disease Control, CDC, has convened a working group of experts in the field to work toward agreed-on terminology.
* Alcohol is a teratogen. A teratogen is a substance that might interfere with the normal development of a fetus. There are many teratogens in the world, including substances of abuse, lead, certain medications, and toxins. However, of all the substances of abuse that women might use during pregnancy, alcohol has the most serious, long lasting effects AND it is also the most common teratogen used by women during pregnancy.
* Any alcohol consumed by a pregnant woman can be harmful to the fetus; regardless of the form it takes (beer, wine, liquor, etc.) The only definitely safe amount of alcohol to use during pregnancy is NONE.
* Prenatal alcohol exposure causes brain damage. Alcohol affects multiple systems and especially targets the brain, which develops throughout pregnancy. Alcohol can cause damage to the developing brain in a number of ways, including early cell death and faulty migration of cells within the brain.
Juicing and pregnancy