Precautions that Would Prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A recent study showed that disorders along the fetal alcohol spectrum are more prevalent than previously thought, which a New York ob/gyn says is proof that pregnant women need to have more awareness of the risks alcohol consumption.

“There is no safe level of alcohol to consume during pregnancy,” says Jill Rabin, MD, co-chief of ambulatory care at LIJ Medical Center in New Hyde Park. “As a matter of fact, three months before a woman becomes pregnant, that level of alcohol consumption is operative in whether the baby will have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or the most severe manifestation of this, fetal alcohol syndrome.”

Dr. Rabin advises that both women and men should stop drinking alcohol at least three months prior to conception as both of their alcohol levels during this time can impact their child.

Manifestations of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or fetal alcohol syndrome include:

• Cognitive issues

• Behavioral issues
• Facial abnormalities

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