Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
It is one type of condition in which occurs in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother’s pregnancy.
OVERVIEW
In fact, alcohol (beer, wine, or hard liquor) is the leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States.
These disorders include a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems.
This syndrome causes brain damage and growth problems. The problems caused by fetal alcohol syndrome vary from child to child, but defects caused by fetal alcohol syndrome are not reversible.
Early diagnosis of this syndrome may help to reduce problems such as learning difficulties and behavioral issues.
Based on studies of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others, it is estimated that in the United States, somewhere between 800 and 8,000 babies could be born each year with FAS.
Any amount of alcohol can harm a developing fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Alcohol easily passes through the placenta, the organ that nourishes a baby during pregnancy.
Alcohol exposure during the first trimester; perhaps before a woman even knows she is pregnant can cause major birth defects.
Later in the pregnancy, drinking alcohol can cause poor growth and brain damage that could lead to learning and behavioral problems.
These problems can be prevented by not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy.
Do not drink if you are trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
CAUSES
When you’re pregnant and you drink alcohol:
- Alcohol enters your bloodstream and reaches your developing fetus by crossing the placenta
- Alcohol causes higher blood alcohol concentrations in your developing baby than in your body because a fetus metabolizes alcohol slower than an adult does
- Alcohol interferes with the delivery of oxygen and optimal nutrition to your developing baby
- Exposure to alcohol before birth can harm the development of tissues and organs and cause permanent brain damage in your baby
The more you drink while pregnant, the greater the risk to your unborn baby. However, any amount of alcohol puts your baby at risk. Your baby’s brain, heart and blood vessels begin to develop in the early weeks of pregnancy, before you may know you’re pregnant.
Impairment of facial features, the heart and other organs, including the bones, and the central nervous system may occur as a result of drinking alcohol during the first trimester. That’s when these parts of the fetus are in key stages of development. However, the risk is present at any time during pregnancy.
TYPES
There are different types of fetal alcohol syndrome. They are as follows:
- Partial fetal alcohol syndrome
- Alcohol-related birth defects
- Alcohol-related neurodevelopment disorder
- Neuro behavioural disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe condition on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). It results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy and affects multiple body systems. Here’s a breakdown of the signs and symptoms:
1. Facial Abnormalities
These are some of the key diagnostic features:
Smooth philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip)
Thin upper lip
Small palpebral fissures (short eye openings)
2. Growth Deficiencies
Below average height and weight
Failure to thrive, both prenatally and postnatally
3. Central Nervous System (CNS) Abnormalities
Structural: Smaller head circumference (microcephaly), brain anomalies
Neurological: Seizures, poor coordination, motor delays
Functional:
Poor memory
Attention deficits
Learning disabilities
Poor problem-solving skills
Hyperactivity or impulsivity
Delayed speech and language development
Intellectual disability or low IQ
4. Behavioral and Social Issues
Difficulty in school (especially with math)
Trouble getting along with others
Poor judgment
Problems adapting to change or switching from one task to another
Difficulty planning or working toward a goal
5. Other Possible Physical Signs
Vision or hearing problems
Heart defects (e.g., septal defects)
Kidney and bone problems
WHAT TO EAT
When managing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a well-balanced, nutritious diet can support overall health and development. Here’s a point-wise breakdown:
Focus on Protein: Include lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes to support brain and muscle growth.
Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts promote brain development.
Fruits & Vegetables: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K to support immune function and brain health.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and quinoa provide essential fiber and stable energy.
Calcium & Vitamin D: Dairy, fortified plant milk, leafy greens, and fortified cereals support bone health.
Iron: Meat, beans, and spinach help prevent anemia.
Hydration: Water, herbal teas, and hydrating fruits support overall well-being.
Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized nutrition advice.
DIET AND REGIMEN
- Take enough sleep
- Eat healthy diet
- Do regular physical exercise
- Stay connected with healthy social supports
- Teach skills for daily living
- Avoid alcohol during pregnancy.
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FAQ
These guidelines can help prevent fetal alcohol syndrome:
- Don’t drink alcohol if you’re trying to get pregnant- If you haven’t already stopped drinking, stop as soon as you know you’re pregnant or if you even think you might be pregnant. It’s never too late to stop drinking during your pregnancy, but the sooner you stop, the better it is for your baby.
- Continue to avoid alcohol throughout your pregnancy- Fetal alcohol syndrome is completely preventable in children whose mothers don’t drink during pregnancy.
- Consider giving up alcohol during your childbearing years if you’re sexually active and you’re having unprotected sex. Many pregnancies are unplanned, and damage can occur in the earliest weeks of pregnancy.
- If you have an alcohol problem, get help before you get pregnant- Get professional help to determine your level of dependence on alcohol and to develop a treatment plan.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022).
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/facts.html
If you’re using APA style, here’s how to cite it:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/facts.html
REFFERNCE
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352907
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healt-issues/conditions/chronic/Pages/Fetal-Alcohol-Spectrum-Disorders.aspx
https://hpathy.com/cause-symptoms-treatment/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/
