What causes FASD?

FASD can ONLY be caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Any alcohol which is drunk by the mother passes directly to the baby via the placenta. It was once thought that the placenta shielded the baby in some way but we now now that this is not the case. 

Alcohol is a teratogen which means it is a substance which can change the structure and function of developing organs.

The brain and central nervous system, which continues to grow throughout gestation, is susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol at any stage of pregnancy.