How Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Affects the Development of the Brain

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ( FAS ) and Fetal Alcohol Effects ( FAE ) are disorders that occur as a result of the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The alcohol molecule is very tiny and passes easily across the placenta from mother to baby, as early as 2 weeks after conception until birth. Although alcohol can affect the development of all cells and organs the brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol exposure, and damage can occur throughout pregnancy.