Alcohol early in pregnancy.

What is fetal alcohol syndrome?
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a collection of problems that affect children born to women who drink excessive amounts of alcohol during pregnancy. It is characterized by growth restriction before and after birth. Defects in the heart and limbs, and unusual facial characteristics, such as a short, upturned nose, a flat upper jawbone and "different" eyes, have also been seen in FAS children. These children may also have behavioral problems, impaired speech and impaired use of joints and muscles.

Is FAE the same as FAS?
Let's begin by explaining about diagnosis of FAS. To have a definite diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome, specific criteria must be met. The mother to be must have a history of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The baby must exhibit three medical criteria abnormalities of the face or skull, growth restriction and damage to the central nervous system, usually a mental deficiency. If the mother's consumption of alcohol cannot be proved, we generally refer to the condition as FAE or fetal alcohol exposure. A baby with a mild birth defect may be diagnosed with FAE if the mother had anything to drink during pregnancy.

How much alcohol is too much?
At this time, we believe any amount of alcohol is too much. Most studies indicate four to five, or more, drinks a day are required to cause FAS, but mild abnormalities have been associated with as little as two drinks a day (1 ounce of alcohol). It's best to avoid alcohol completely while you're pregnant.

Is it all right to drink alcohol while I'm pregnant?
Alcohol use by a pregnant woman carries considerable risk. Even moderate use of alcohol has been linked to an increase in the chance of miscarriage. Excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in abnormalities in the baby. Chronic use of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

I don't drink much. Can't I drink socially while I'm pregnant?
There is a lot of disagreement about this because we don't know what is a "safe" level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Why take the risk of harming your baby? Avoid alcohol during pregnancy.

Is this the reason alcoholic beverages carry warning labels?
Yes. The warning advises women to avoid alcohol during pregnancy because of the possibility of causing problems in the fetus, including FAS and FAE. Unfortunately, a study in 1995 found that pregnant women in North America ignored the advice to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. In that study, 4 times as many women said they drank alcohol during pregnancy than those who had been interviewed in 1991. Don't put your baby at risk! Pass up all alcohol during your pregnancy.

What about recipes that call for alcohol? Should I avoid them?
A good rule of thumb is it's probably OK to eat a food that contains alcohol if it has been baked or simmered for at least 1 hour. Cooking for that length of time cooks out nearly all of the alcohol content.

What about drinking nonalcoholic wine and beer during pregnancy?
Even though they are labeled "no alcohol," these beverages contain some alcohol—about 0.5%. Because we don't know what alcohol-intake level is safe for the fetus, it's a good idea to avoid all of them.

Can I drink before pregnancy, while I'm trying to get pregnant?
If you're trying to get pregnant, you probably won't know exactly when you do conceive. Why take chances? Stop drinking while you're trying to conceive that way you'll avoid any problems.

I've heard taking drugs with alcohol can cause more problems. How is that?
Taking drugs with alcohol increases the chance of damaging the fetus. Drugs that cause the greatest concern include analgesics, anti-depressants and anticonvulsants.

I read somewhere that my partner's use of alcohol before my pregnancy may affect the fetus. Is this true?
Some researchers believe heavy alcohol consumption by the baby's father may produce FAS in the baby. Alcohol intake by the father has also been linked to intrauterine-growth restriction.

What other precautions should I take with regard to alcohol?
Be very careful about substances you use that may contain alcohol. Over-the-counter cough medicines and cold remedies often contain alcohol as much as 25%!