According to research, at least 1% of the population is afflicted by FASD, which means that 7,000 newborns are born in the UK each year with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The number may be much higher because there are no national guidelines for identifying children who might be affected by FASD. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a common cause of mental retardation. It can affect any part of the body but most often causes physical problems with the brain and nervous system. There are three main types of FS: moderate, severe and very severe. Of those diagnosed, about 90% have some form of FS. No one really knows how many people are affected by FS because so many cases go unreported. However, it is estimated that between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 500 births result in a child being diagnosed with FS. Children must receive a diagnosis from a doctor before they can be registered with the NHS as having a disability. This means that doctors need to look for signs of FS during routine appointments with their general practitioner or paediatrician. If a doctor does not identify any issues related to alcohol consumption during these visits then the child cannot be given a FS diagnosis. In addition to affecting the developing brain, alcohol also has other negative effects on an unborn baby.