The effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are NOT reversible. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a defect that is becoming more widely known. The symptoms are small head and body, a flattened face, distinctive eyes, retarded physical growth, mental retardation, shorter and lighter in weight than normal, heart defects, and poor coordination.
The safe minimal dose of alcohol in pregnancy is not yet known, but because alcohol is socially accepted it is very easy to forget that its use should be restricted.
It is accepted at present that with 100 proof alcohol, two ounces per day increases the risk of FAS: one ounce of alcohol probably increases the risk: and under one ounce has not been demonstrated as to its potential risk. Alcohol passes very quickly through the placenta to the fetus, and the unborn baby feels a drink almost as fast as a pregnant woman.
Drinking alcohol while pregnant is risky. Besides fetal alcohol syndrome, a long list of physical and mental deformations can occur. Small eye openings, bent and missing fingers or toes and mental retardation are just a few items on this very long list of birth defects associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy.