Preconception counseling in the prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome: a unique window of opportunity

The role of alcohol in the causation of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) has been firmly established. In most cases events leading to its occurrence have been set into motion prior to conception. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the sole causative agent of FAS, can therefore be prevented even prior to conception by implementation of preconception counseling (PCC). The present review examines the important issues involved in the implementation of PCC for the prevention of FAS which can be of immense help to the affected population.