Not everything that parents do for their unborn child will effect them in a positive light. For example, when a women is pregnant, drinking is one of the most potentially harmful things she can do. The reason is FAS, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Doctors say that FAS is one of the leading causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States. FAS is caused by the toxic effect of alcohol and its byproducts on the developing brain.
Diagnosis is difficult, but it always involves the following three physical characteristics.
Children with FAS may also suffer from mental retardation, poor muscle coordination, chronic middle ear infections, and dental and vision problems. Smoking and drugs are just as potentially harmful to the fetus as drinking. In fact, there has been a correlation between children with ADD and women who smoke. Researchers believe this is caused by the lack of oxygen to the fetus. Drugs, such as cocaine, crack, and heroine also have profound effects on the fetus.