FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS)

General Information

DEFINITION--A combination of irreversible birth abnormalities resulting from alcohol abuse by the mother during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome has been reported in babies of women who drank 2 mixed drinks or 2-3 bottles of beer or glasses of wine a day. Lesser degrees of alcohol abuse can result in less severe birth defects (fetal alcohol effect). No safe level of alcohol consumption is known.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Newborns.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Newborn behaviors:

• Poor sucking ability; poor sleeping habits.
• Irritability; effects of alcohol withdrawal.

Possible physical abnormalities:

• Small head; small eyes; unusually short.
• Epicanthic folds (vertical folds of skin extending from upper eyelid to the side of nose).
• Small jaw; protruding forehead.
• Cleft palate.
• Small brain; heart defects.
• Hip dislocation; other joint deformities.

Later:

• Mental retardation; severe growth retardation.
• Poor coordination; learning disabilities.
• Speech and language difficulties; minimal brain dysfunction; hyperactivity; other behavioral problems.

Adolescence to adulthood:

• Maladaptive behaviors (social withdrawal, failure to consider consequence of actions, inappropriate emotional responses, excessive unhappiness, conduct problems).

CAUSES--Chronic (and probably binge-type) alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Alcohol intake can affect the unborn child during the first trimester by interfering with organ development, in the second trimester with mental retardation and the third trimester, retardation of fetal growth.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• The greater the alcohol consumption, the greater the risk for severe birth defects.
• Pregnant women not receiving prenatal health care.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Pregnant women (or those likely to become pregnant) should not drink any alcoholic drinks or abuse drugs. There is insufficient evidence that indicates an occasional glass of wine or beer is dangerous, but complete abstinence is recommended.
• If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, seek help from your doctor, Alcoholics Anonymous or other support groups.
• Get early and continuing prenatal care.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• There is no diagnostic test that can determine an infant born with fetal alcohol syndrome. Some defects will be apparent at the time of birth; other defects will show up later.
• The diagnosis is difficult to confirm once the child is older. The mother may not remember if she drank during pregnancy or how much she drank. The child's academic performance may be blamed on behavior problems.

> For the pregnant woman--

Get prenatal care.

• For the child--Early diagnosis and recognition of a child at risk. A referral to medical professionals who can start immediately on special programs designed to enhance motor skills, improve communication skills and develop social interactions.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--The defects are generally irreversible. The complications may be mild or severe and include one or several of the problems listed in Signs and Symptoms.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Since the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome can vary a great deal, the outcome is unpredictable.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• If you are pregnant and continuing to drink alcohol, call your doctor and discuss.
• If you know a family member or friend who is pregnant and continues to drink alcohol, talk to her about your concern and the risk she is taking with her unborn child.
• If you are the parent of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome, get the appropriate help needed for the child's development. Get help for yourself if the alcohol problem is continuing or if you need other psychological support.

MEDICATION--Medicine is usually not necessary for this disorder.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant and have not had a check-up.
• You are concerned about your newborn's behavior, physical development or appearance.