What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Bringing a child into the world is a rewarding and unique experience. Everyone wants the best for their child, to see them healthy and happy. Still, we all have our battles and struggles.
When it comes to the effect of substances like alcohol on pregnancy, there are serious, lifelong consequences. Learn about the risks and how alcohol can lead to debilitating developmental conditions.
This blog will look at the following questions:
- What is fetal alcohol syndrome?
- How much alcohol does it take to cause fetal alcohol syndrome?
- What happens to a child with fetal alcohol syndrome?
- Does fetal alcohol syndrome come from the mother or father?
- When is alcohol most harmful during pregnancy?
- Can you tell if a baby has fetal alcohol syndrome in the womb?
- How do you prevent fetal alcohol syndrome?
- Do children with fetal alcohol syndrome have lifelong disabilities?
- Do they test newborns for alcohol?
- What does fetal alcohol syndrome look like in adults?
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition caused by alcohol exposure to a fetus in the womb. FAS can cause a variety of developmental issues, both physically and mentally.
How Much Alcohol Does It Take to Cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
There’s no safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and it should be avoided altogether. Any amount of alcohol during pregnancy puts the unborn child at risk of developing FAS.
What Happens to a Child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
When a child has fetal alcohol syndrome, they can have several developmental defects, some present at birth and others that can be seen over time, including physical and mental problems.
Cognitive Signs
- Poor coordination
- Short attention span
- Poor memory
- Learning disabilities
- Speech and language delays
- Vision and hearing problems
- Poor problem-solving abilities
- Poor judgment
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Intense mood swings
Social Signs
- Poor social skills
- Poor impulse control
- Behavior problems
- Frequent acting out
- Poor time management
- Attention problems
- Difficulty sticking to tasks or goals
- Problems with other children
- Difficulty transitioning activities or tasks
Physical Signs
- Low body weight
- Thin upper lip
- Short, upturned nose
- Deformities in joints, limbs, and fingers
- Small head and brain size
- Problems with the heart, kidneys, and bones
- Small eyes
- Central nervous system problems
- Flat ridge between the nose and upper lip
In extreme cases of FAS, the fetus can develop cerebral palsy, have a premature birth, or be stillborn.
Does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome come From the Mother or Father?
Because the mother carries the fetus, FAS can develop when any alcohol consumption is present during the pregnancy.
While there’s no solid evidence that FAS is genetic or hereditary, some recent studies show a correlation between a baby’s exposure to alcohol before birth and congenital heart disease.
A European Journal of Preventive Cardiology study found that drinking alcohol three months before becoming pregnant could increase the risk of congenital heart disease (44 percent for fathers-to-be and 16 percent for mothers-to-be.) These numbers increase drastically in the case of binge drinking, where it suggests a 52 percent higher likelihood for men and 16 percent for women.
When is Alcohol Most Harmful During Pregnancy?
Alcohol should be avoided for the entire duration of pregnancy. That said, the fetus is most at risk of experiencing the damaging effects of alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy. When exposed to alcohol, especially during this time, the fetus is at risk of the most severe effects of FAS, including cerebral palsy, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
Can You Tell if a Baby Has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the Womb?
A doctor cannot diagnose FAS before birth, but they can assess the mother’s health and lifestyle to determine any fetal development risks. It’s not until the baby is born that the doctor can look for signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome; this can be done as soon as the initial weeks following birth.
How do you Prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
The most surefire way to prevent FAS is to avoid all alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Because some recent studies point to potential health risks to the fetus if their parents drink alcohol before pregnancy, avoiding alcohol several weeks or months before conception could be an added measure of protection.
Do Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Have Lifelong Disabilities?
The devastating effects of FAS impact a person throughout their childhood into adulthood. Thankfully, despite being a life-long condition, there are treatment programs to help children born with FAS learn essential skills. The Centers for Disease Control outlines some of these services, including learning to talk, walk, and interact with others.
The good news is that FAS is a preventable condition, and there is support for women struggling with alcoholism to achieve sobriety before becoming pregnant.
Do They Test Newborns for Alcohol?
Testing newborns for alcohol is a part of routine newborn screening. That said, the screening will likely only pick up on alcohol consumed 2-3 days before delivery. If a child tests positive for alcohol in their system or shows signs of FAS, this will be reported to CPS.
What Does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Look Like in Adults?
Adults with FAS carry many defects from childhood into adulthood, such as low body weight, extreme mood swings, small head sizes, and a short attention span, among others, as mentioned earlier.
Problems that can develop in adulthood for individuals with FAS include the following:
- Problems with alcohol and drugs
- Psychiatric and personality disorders
- Trouble maintaining relationships
- Academic difficulties
- Trouble obtaining and maintaining employment
- Inability to live independently
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