FAS is caused by a mother's drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. There is no safe level of drinking during pregnancy. Even one drinking binge can cause damage. According to the World Health Organization, FAS affects approximately one in every 500 children born in Australia, Europe and North America, and seems to be even more frequent in some developing countries, like South Africa.
Research shows that alcohol damage to the developing baby occurs over a wide continuum.
Damage varies due to volume of alcohol ingested, timing during pregnancy, blood alcohol levels, genetics and environmental factors.