Drinking During Pregnancy Could Cause Birth Defects
Expectant mothers who drink could put babies at risk for birth defects
Each year, nearly 40,000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disorders are caused by mothers’ alcohol consumption during pregnancy and range in severity. Some infants with the most severe form of FASDs have serious physical, psychological and developmental conditions that continue into adulthood. Leigh Tenkku, associate research professor in the School of Social Work, says no amount and no type of alcohol is safe for women to drink during pregnancy.
