When a woman is pregnant, it is recommended not to consume alcohol. If a woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy, it can cause a disorder called fetal alcohol syndrome (Rank, J.). In 1968, fetal alcohol syndrome was characterized by P. Lamoine and his colleagues in Nantes. They reported their findings in the French pediatric journal, but unfortunately it didn't attract much attention. Five years later, in 1973, this situation was characterized again by KL Jones and his colleagues in Seattle. Unlike the 1968 report which was not a success, this report from the British medical journal The Lancet triggered a large number of journalists on fetal alcohol syndrome (Perlstein, David, MD, FAAP). The disorder is characterized by brain problems, abnormal facial features, growth defects, and organ abnormalities (Rank, J.). Alcohol is considered a teratogen and is the most common cause of mental retardation. “Alcohol use among women of childbearing age (18-44 years) is one of the leading preventable causes of birth defects and developmental disorders in the United States, according to research published in Pediatrics” (Perlstein , David, MD, FAAP). Even if the disorder is preventable, the defects are not irreversible or immutable (Mayo Clinic staff). Fetal alcohol syndrome differs for each individual diagnosed. Unfortunately, 20% of babies were exposed to alcohol due to the mother's decision during pregnancy (An Individual's Place). In addition to the 20% of babies exposed to alcohol, 1 in 100 babies, or 40,000 babies born, have been diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (Rank, J.). Babies with fetal alcohol syndrome grow up to become “the forgotten children.” Children can do anything... middle of paper... while the individual seeks to become independent, succeed in school or work, and develop satisfying social relationships” (Rank, J.) . Works Cited Buddy, T. “Secondary Conditions Associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.” » About.com. (October 30, 2010): April 19, 2011. http://alcoholism.about.com/of/fas/a/fas_conditions.htmMarch of Dimes Foundation. “Drinking alcohol during pregnancy.” March of Dimes, Working together for stronger, healthier babies. April 5, 2011. http://www.marchofdimes.come/pregnancy/alcohol_inowned.html “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.” » Alcohol as a teratogenic and fetal alcoholism syndrome (December 8, 2003): April 5, 2011. http://people.uwec.edu/pierceh/fas/fas...htm “The place and success of a individual in society are almost entirely determined by neurological functioning. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. April 13, 2011. http://www.faslink.org/fasmain.htm