What is fetal alcohol syndrome ?

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that results in children who were exposed to alcohol during mother’s pregnancy. This condition can have physical, neurological and mental effect on the child. The severity may range from mild to severe. The effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are irreversible and lasts a lifetime. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. When you drink alcohol during pregnancy, you put your child at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.

What causes fetal alcohol syndrome ?

When women drink alcohol during pregnancy, the alcohol crosses the placenta to the fetus. The body of the fetus cannot process the alcohol like that of the mother. The alcohol is concentrated in the fetus and prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching vital organs in the body. Most of the damage is done during the first three months of pregnancy. You should however note  that drinking at anytime during pregnancy is harmful.

What is the effect of fetal alcohol syndrome on my baby ?

The effect of fetal alcohol syndrome include the following :

• mental retardation
• growth deficiencies
• skeletal malformation as well as malformation of organs systemS specifically the brain and spinal cord
• poor motor skills
• problems with the central nervous system
• learning, speech and  hearing disability
• mortality

 
Your baby may also have the following facial characteristics

• thin lips
• flat cheeks
• upturned  or short nose
• small head

How is fetal alcohol syndrome treated ?

Fetal alcohol syndrome is  not curable but some of the symptoms  can be treated. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better the outcome of treatment.

Depending on the symptoms, the child may need to see many doctors or specialists.

How can fetal alcohol syndrome be prevented ?

 
The only way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. It is therefore essential to avoid alcohol if

• you are trying to get pregnant
• thinking about getting pregnant
• already pregnant