By Dr. Carrie Randall and Dr. Suzanne Thomas Fetal alcohol syndrome is a developmental disorder resulting from heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. It is characterized by growth deficiencies, brain damage, and facial anomalies. Because there is no determined safe level of alcohol consumption that can be applied to all individuals, women who are pregnant or who are attempting to become pregnant should be assessed for alcohol problems and should be informed of the effects of drinking during pregnancy.
Every expectant parent looks forward to celebrating the birth of a healthy baby.
Yet each year in the United States more than 452,000 babies are delivered preterm, before completing 37 weeks of gestation. No health problem affects more of our children more profoundly than this one. With improved medical knowledge and technology many more premature babies survive. However, the risks to the baby, the family and society can be tremendous. To learn more about prematurity, please read the following article.