The Threat of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) may be relatively common, according to a new study.

This study, which reviewed 24 past studies that included more than 1,400 children with FASD, found that 8 in 1,000 children and young people were born with FASD.

FASD encompasses a group of conditions that are caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb. FASD has various symptoms. Some of these include abnormal height, head size and facial features; cognitive difficulties; and vision, hearing, heart, kidney and bone problems.

This study estimated that 1 in every 13 women who drinks alcohol during pregnancy will give birth to a child with FASD.

"Globally, FASD is a prevalent alcohol-related developmental disability that is largely preventable," the study authors wrote. "The findings highlight the need to establish a universal public health message about the potential harm of prenatal alcohol exposure and a routine screening protocol."

Talk to your health care provider about how to have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

This study was published in JAMA Pediatrics.

The study authors disclosed no outside funding sources or potential conflicts of interest.