Q. "Smoking by pregnant woman can result in fetal injury, premature birth and low birth rate."

He then turned to cases in which children actually did make successful tort claims for fetal injuries.

Returning to this case, the Court found a woman may negligently cause fetal injuries in many ways, car accidents representing 28% of these cases.

Here, a woman was not legally responsible for fetal injuries.

Although the syndrome was first described in 1973, the broad impact of alcohol-related fetal injury has only recently become apparent to scientists.

However, they write that more recent information suggests that in the uncomplicated pregnancy, fetal injuries are highly unlikely.

Amniocentesis is performed between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy; performing this test earlier may result in fetal injury.

Blunt warnings on the package tell smokers that their habit causes cancer, heart disease, fetal injury and other life-threatening ills.

In addition, they and their doctors tend to be less willing to risk fetal injury during a vaginal delivery.

To prevent fetal injury, avoid sports that can involve potential contact, such as soccer, and basketball.