Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) belongs to a group of disorders called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It is caused when a women drinks alcohol during pregnancy. The alcohol can cause birth and developmental defects in the baby. These defects make up FAS.
Alcohol can cross from the mother's blood to the baby's blood. It is passed through the placenta. Even a small amount of alcohol can damage the fetus. Doctors do not know how much alcohol it takes to cause defects. The risk increases with moderate to heavy drinking and with binging. But even social drinking may pose a danger.
Any type of alcohol can cause birth defects.
Factors that increase your baby's chance of getting fetal alcohol syndrome:
Birth and developmental defects depend on when the fetus was exposed to alcohol.
Babies with fetal alcohol syndrome may have the following physical symptoms:
As the infant grows, other symptoms may develop, including:
Children do not outgrow these effects. Teens and adults often experience social and emotional problems. They may develop secondary conditions, which include:
The doctor will ask you about your alcohol intake while pregnant. The child's growth will be assessed. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is based on:
Some children with this condition do not have the typical physical features. Their condition is described:
An early diagnosis can help your child get the proper services.
There is no specific medical treatment for this condition. Early intervention is helpful, as well as a supportive, nurturing home.
Professional support helps a family cope with caring for a child with birth defects. Services include respite care and parent training. You can learn ways to handle behavior problems and stress management techniques.
Programs designed to meet your child's needs improve learning. For example, messages may need to be repeated. Tasks may need to be broken down into smaller steps.
RESOURCES:
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
http://www.nofas.org/
Pregnancy.org
http://www.pregnancy.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Alcoholics Anonymous (Canada)
http://www.aacanada.com/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm/
References:
Chaudhuri JD. Alcohol and the developing fetus—a review. Med Sci Monit . 2000;6:1031-1041.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy. March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation website. Available at: http://www.marchofdimes.com/ . Updated January 2005. Accessed June 18, 2008.
Drinking and your pregnancy. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website. Available at: http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/DrinkingPregnancy_HTML/pregnancy.htm . Accessed June 18, 2008.
Fetal alcohol syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated April 2008. Accessed June 18, 2008.
Nayak RB, Murthy P. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Indian Pediatr. 2008;45(12):977-983.
Treating individuals affected with FASD. National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome website. Available at: http://www.nofas.org/healthcare/treatment.aspx .
Prenatal exposure to alcohol [review]. Alcohol Res Health . 2000;24:32-41.
Thackray H, Tifft C. Fetal alcohol syndrome. Pediatr Rev . 2001;22:47-55.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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