Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
What is "fetal alcohol syndrome"?
Fetal alcohol syndrome refers to a newborn who manifests signs, either physically or behaviorally, that are indicative of significant exposure to alcohol during the course of the pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome happens to be the leading cause of mental retardation in the United States, and it accounts for about $3 billion in health care costs annually.
How do I know if my baby is at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome?
Your infant would be considered at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome if you had any significant alcohol intake during pregnancy. While fetal alcohol syndrome is more common with heavier levels of alcohol drinking, it is well recognized that it can occur even with small amounts of steady intake.
What are the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome?
Fetal alcohol syndrome refers to a constellation of symptoms, including physical appearance and behavioral patterns that become evident over time. Fetal alcohol syndrome can either be more dramatic or less dramatic depending on the degree that that child is affected. Some of the classic findings in children with fetal alcohol syndrome are in the facial appearance: they have a very flat lip, their eyes may look a little different and they often have smaller heads when compared to other healthy newborns. Behaviorally, theses individuals have varying degrees of mental retardation and are often agitated, slow learners and have difficulty with memory. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a composite picture that would include some or all of those features.
How is fetal alcohol syndrome diagnosed?
Fetal alcohol syndrome is diagnosed after delivery, based on the physical appearance, the recognized exposure to alcohol during the pregnancy, as well as learning and behavioral difficulties that become evident over time.
How is fetal alcohol syndrome treated?
Unfortunately, fetal alcohol syndrome cannot be treated in the sense of reversing the damage that occurred in utero. Fetal alcohol syndrome involves problems with behavior and learning, so addressing those early-on, providing optimal educational opportunities, behavioral therapy, and counselling - not only for the individual but also for the family - can make a significant improvement in that child's quality of life.
How can fetal alcohol syndrome be prevented?
Fetal alcohol syndrome can be prevented by simply not drinking at all during pregnancy. It is understood that there is no safe level of alcohol intake during pregnancy and thus it is best avoided in all periods of pregnancy.
