However, the rate may be three times higher in some populations. Fetal alcohol syndrome includes a characteristic group of defects including small head and brain, facial abnormalities, and defects of other organs. Many drugs can pass from the mother s blood stream through the placenta to the fetus.
Alcohol is no exception.
Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in an adult s body. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in the baby s body longer. However, no amount of alcohol is safe. Even light or moderate drinking can affect the developing fetus. Alcohol use in pregnancy has significant effects on the fetus and the baby.