In addition, there are costs to the individual and family. Children who have an alcohol-related birth defect have difficulty understanding how their actions affect outcomes. Many do not learn from past experience. This makes their behaviour unpredictable and can also make them vulnerable to high risk behaviours and situations. Research has shown that a significant number of individuals in the criminal justice system have been exposed prenatally to alcohol.
Further research is needed.
FAS should not be considered just a woman's problem. The attitudes and behaviours of partners, families, friends and society play a critical role in reinforcing the importance of NOT drinking during pregnancy and while nursing. Intervention strategies need to be developed within communities that are sensitive to the people receiving these services. Pregnant women who drink alcohol need compassionate, non-judgemental, intensive and often long term supports to stop drinking or even to reduce their drinking.