title: Preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Preconception counseling and diagnosis help.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  By the time women find out they are pregnant and see a family physician, they might have already consumed alcohol during the pregnancy and affected the development of their fetuses. How can family physicians better prevent exposure to alcohol during pregnancy?
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women of childbearing age should be counseled about the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy before they become pregnant. Diagnosing children who have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can help identify birth mothers who are at risk of other alcohol-exposed pregnancies and who need support to change their behaviour.
authors.forename: Suzanne C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Tough
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: Sterling
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clarren
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D018570:Risk Assessment