Causes of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
The causes of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are directly linked to alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is not inherited, contagious, or caused by the behaviour of the child after birth. It results from a teratogenic effect—meaning alcohol disrupts the development of the growing foetus.
Alcohol and Pregnancy
When a pregnant person consumes alcohol:
It passes quickly through the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream
The developing foetus cannot process alcohol efficiently
Alcohol interferes with cell growth, brain development, and organ formation
Damage can occur at any time during pregnancy, but the first trimester—when the brain, heart, and facial features are forming—is the most critical period.
No Safe Limit
Despite myths, no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy:
Even small or occasional consumption can affect development
Binge drinking (4+ drinks in one session) is especially harmful
Risk increases with frequency, quantity, and timing of alcohol exposure
Different people metabolise alcohol at different rates. What might be considered a “small amount” by one person could still harm a developing foetus.
Risk Factors
While alcohol exposure is the cause, some factors may influence how severely a child is affected:
Genetic sensitivity to alcohol’s effects
Nutritional status of the pregnant person
Other substance use, including smoking or drug use
Poor prenatal care or lack of medical support
Stress, trauma, or lack of awareness about the risks
In some communities, FASD is more common due to high rates of unplanned pregnancy and limited access to health education or support services.
Preventability | Causes of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
The most important fact about FASD is that it is 100% preventable:
Avoiding alcohol entirely during pregnancy eliminates the risk
Public health campaigns are working to promote this message
Support services are available for people with alcohol dependency who are pregnant or planning to conceive
Understanding the causes of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder empowers healthcare systems, families, and communities to prevent this avoidable condition and promote healthier futures for children.
[Next: Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder →]
