Tips for Preventing Birth Defects

During pregnancy, any alcohol a woman consumes passes from her bloodstream, through the placenta, and to her baby through the umbilical cord. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or FASP are a group of conditions characterized by abnormal physical features such as small head size and a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip. A child with FASD displays poor coordination, hyperactive behavior and learning disabilities. There can be vision and hearing problems as well as heart, kidney and bone problems. Women, who are pregnant or considering pregnancy, are urged to avoid alcoholic beverages. With alcohol, there is no safe type, amount, or time to consume during pregnancy.