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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
 

 

Definition

 

     Fetal alcohol syndrome is the manifestation of specific growth, mental, and physical birth defects associated with the mother's high levels of alcohol use during pregnancy

 

Causes


  

  • In a pregnant woman's bloodstream, alcohol circulates to the fetus by crossing the placenta.  Once there, it interferes with the fetus's ability to receive sufficient oxygen and nourishment for normal cell development in the brain and other organs.

  • Timing of alcohol use during pregnancy is significant in terms of the degree and nature of defects.  Alcohol use during the first trimester is more damaging than during the second trimester, which, in turn, is more damaging than use in the third trimester

Symptoms

     

  • The manifestations of specific growth, mental, and physical birth defects associated with the mother's high level of alcohol use during pregnancy are as follows:

    1. Small birth weight, small head circumference

    2. Epicanthal folds; small, widely-spaced eyes; flat mid-face

    3. Short, upturned nose; smooth, wide philtrum; thin upper lip (the philtrum is the space between the bottom of the nose, and the top of the upper lip)

    4. Underdeveloped jaw

    5. Irritability, difficulty eating or sleeping, hypersensitivity to any form of stimulation

  • Neurological manifestations of FAS:

    1. Attention deficits, memory deficits, hyperactive

    2. Difficulty with abstract concepts (math, time, money)

    3. Poor problem solving skills, difficulty learning from consequences

    4. Poor judgment, immature behavior, poor impulse control

Screening and Diagnosis

     Examination of the baby may show a heart murmur or other evidence of cardiac anomalies. As the baby grows, there may be evidence of delayed mental development. Facial and skeletal abnormalities may also be present.

     Tests include:

  • Pregnancy ultrasound, which can demonstrate the presence of intrauterine growth retardation

  • Infant ECG and echocardiogram, which can detect heart abnormalities

  • Blood alcohol level in pregnant women who exhibit signs of intoxication (see toxicology screen)

Treatment

  • There is no cure for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.  Once the damage is done, it cannot be undone.  However, FAS is the only cause of birth defects that can be completely prevented.

Prevention

 

     FAS and FAE (Fetal Alcohol Effects) are 100% preventable through strict alcohol abstention.  Communities, schools, and concerned individuals can help to prevent FAS/FAE through education and intervention.

Complications 

     Alcohol consumption during pregnancy may result in:

  • Miscarriage or stillbirth

  • Premature delivery

  • A mentally retarded baby

  • A baby who is small for gestational age

  • A baby who may die in infancy

  • A baby with a small head, defects, or malformations of the eyes, nose, or mouth

  • A baby with malformation of the heart or other vital organs

  • A baby with slow growth and poor coordination

  • A restless, overactive baby that may later exhibit hyperactive behavior and learning disabilities

 
 

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