FASD

As a whole, Parisi said that this study cannot "conclude that having a drink in the 3 months leading up to pregnancy can cause a change in your child's face shape or an FASD," adding more research is needed.

Research shows that persons with a brain-based disability, such as FASD, are more vulnerable to negative environmental influences, which can lead to failed social outcomes.

"Helping women to drink less or no alcohol during their pregnancy will reduce the number of children and young people affected by FASD."

Fetal alcohol syndrome, the most severe form of FASD, was first described in a study published in 1973.

And lack of awareness, a shortage of specialists, and social stigma have combined to limit families' ability to receive an accurate diagnosis and support for FASD, a condition that is underdiagnosed in the United States and could affect between 1 and 5 percent of this country's children.