th defects and mental retardation in children and adults. Statistics cannot possibly predict the exact rate of learning disabilities and behavioral abnormalities caused by fetal exposure to alcohol. In any case, children who do not meet the clinical definition of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may experience significant cognitive and behavioral impairment due to fetal exposure to alcohol, which further increases the importance of abstinence from alcohol before, during and after pregnancy. According to Gordis, "even moderate maternal drinking may pose risks to a developing fetus, perhaps resulting in subtle effects in offspring" (52). Realization of the potential to ruin a new life before it has had a chance should be enough to deter even the most hard-core alcoholic.
             ...