The fetal alcohol syndrome.

Two unrelated children with the fetal alcohol syndrome are described. Features of the syndrome include mental deficiency, growth delay, and craniofacial, limb and cardiac anomalies. The finding of this spectrum of abnormalities raises the possibility of alcohol ingestion during pregnancy. The deleterious effects of alcohol on the developing fetus are emphasized. In view of the high prevalence of alcoholism in this country the fetal syndrome must be regarded as a serious and preventable cause of morbidity.