Frequently asked questions 

A person with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) is diagnosed by a Doctor or medical professional. 

A person who is "valproate exposed" has been exposed to valproate in utero but has no formal diagnosis.

Studies show that it can affect up to 3 generations in a family. Choosing to start a family is a difficult decision but there is a 25-50% risk of your child having features of FVSD so try to bear that in mind and consider what complications could arise. There is very little evidence or research on this currently. 

Known names and research terms

The condition now most commonly called Fetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD) has been referred to by several names in the medical literature and classification systems, including:

• Fetal valproate syndrome (FVS)
• Fetal valproic acid syndrome
• Valproic acid embryopathy
• Valproate embryopathy
• Embryofetal valproic acid syndrome
• Fetal anticonvulsant syndrome (FACS)
• Fetal antiepileptic drug syndrome
• “Valproic acid fetal effects”
• “Susceptibility to valproate embryopathy” (seen in some ontology/databank listings)
• “Valproic acid antenatal infection” (appears in some database synonym sets, though not standard clinical terminology)

Current expert consensus favors “Fetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD)” because prenatal valproate exposure can produce a wide spectrum of physical, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental effects rather than a single fixed syndrome.

("Valproic Acid" [MeSh] OR valproate OR "valproic acid"

AND
(pregnancy OR prenatal OR "in utero" OR gestation)
AND
("Congenital Abnormalities"[MeSH] OR teratogenicity OR malformation*
OR "fetal valproate syndrome" OR "fetal valproate spectrum disorder"
OR autism OR "neurodevelopmental disorder*" OR intellectual disability)