Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a group of birth problems caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her unborn baby.
A baby born with FAS can have physical, mental and behavioral problems. She could also be mentally retarded.
What causes it?
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy causes FAS.
The more alcohol a pregnant woman drinks, the greater the risk to her unborn baby.
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the alcohol enters her blood. The alcohol is then passed to the unborn baby's blood. The alcohol then hurts the unborn baby's brain and body.
Who can get it?
Any baby can be born with FAS if her mother drinks alcohol while she is pregnant.
FAS happens in about 3 babies for every 10,000 babies born in the United States.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of FAS are similar to those of other behavioral problems. It is very important that a doctor sees your child if you think she has FAS.
Slow growth of the unborn baby.
Mild to moderate mental retardation.
Shaking (tremors) in the newborn baby.
Increased crying and agitation in the newborn baby.
Abnormal facial features.
Abnormal features in the arms and legs.
What does a person with fetal alcohol syndrome look like?
Abnormal facial features:
Flat mid-face
Small eye openings
Small head
Small upper jaw
Short, up-turned nose
No groove in the upper lip
Smooth and thin upper lip
Heart defects
Hearing problems
Vision problems
Poor coordination
Hyperactive behavior
Learning disabilities
Developmental disabilities (e.g.: speech and language problems)
Mental retardation
Low IQ
Memory, attention and judgment problems
Difficulty in school
Sleep and sucking problems during infancy
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Miscarriage, still birth, or death of the baby
Is it contagious?
No. FAS is not contagious.
How is it treated?
There is no cure.
A child with FAS may need help with social skills and memory. She may also need to attend a special education program.
How long does it last?
There is no cure.
It causes problems that can last the child's whole life.
However, the problems do not get worse.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. FAS is 100% preventable.
Women who are trying to have a baby and pregnant women should not drink any alcohol. Even a little bit of alcohol can be harmful to the unborn baby.
Alcoholic women should go through an alcohol abuse rehabilitation program. They should also be closely watched throughout their pregnancy.
Support groups can help by talking with other women who are going, or have gone, through similar experiences.
If you are trying to have a baby, are pregnant, or are having unprotected sex, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you are trying to have a baby and are drinking alcohol.
Call your doctor if you are pregnant and are drinking alcohol.
Call your doctor if you are finding it hard to stop drinking.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your condition.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your child's condition.
Quick Answers
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a group of birth problems caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her unborn baby.
The main characteristics include low birth weight, small head size, abnormal facial features, heart defects, and mental retardation.
It is not contagious.
FAS is 100% preventable. If your are trying to have a baby, are pregnant, or are having unprotected sex, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. 2004, April 13. (cited 2004, July 26). URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm
March of Dimes. Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy. 2002 August. (cited 2004, July 26). URL: http://search.marchofdimes.com/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=192&page_id=7209216&query=fetal+alcohol+syndrome&hiword=ALCOHOLIC+ALCOHOLISM+ALCOHOLS+FETA+SYNDROMES+alcohol+fetal+syndrome+
MayoClinic.com. Fetal alcohol syndrome. 2003, September 11. (cited 2004, July 26). URL: http:www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00184
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