What causes fetal alcohol effects?
Alcohol passes through the placenta into the fetus, as do many other drugs. The alcohol is metabolized very slowly in the fetus where it stays longer than in the mother’s body. As a result, high levels can remain in the fetus. Other factors that determine the effects of the alcohol on the fetus are the stage of fetal development, the amount and pattern of drinking (binge drinking is probably more risky to the fetus) and individual fetal susceptibility. FAS is rare and usually occurs in mothers who drink more than three to four drinks a day or binge drink (five or more drinks at a time).
