SÍNDROME ALCOÓLICA FETAL: IMPACTOS DO CONSUMO DE ÁLCOOL NA GRAVIDEZ E PREVENÇÃO

Abstract

Alcohol, when consumed by pregnant women, crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus, causing damage that can be irreversible. The effects of FAS can vary in severity, depending on the amount and period of exposure to alcohol, as well as the genetic vulnerability of the fetus. This research consists of an integrative review of the literature. The guiding question was formulated: "What are the impacts of alcohol consumption on pregnancy and prevention?". The research was conducted in the databases of the Virtual Health Library (BVS), selecting articles from the following sources: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE). Ten articles were selected to integrate this review. The data collected reveal that the prevalence of FAS varies significantly between different populations and sociocultural contexts. Epidemiological studies suggest that the incidence rate of FAS may be as high as 1 in 1000 births in general populations, while in groups with greater social vulnerability, this rate may exceed 1%. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions for at-risk groups, where a combination of factors such as low educational level, poverty and lack of access to prenatal care contribute to increased exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. Therefore, preventing FAS is a collective responsibility that requires the implementation of effective public health strategies. Education is a fundamental component in this process, as raising awareness among pregnant women and society in general about the risks of alcohol consumption is crucial to reducing the incidence of the syndrome.