Guest Author - Deborah Pipas

When mothers consume alcohol during pregnancy the result often is Fetal alcohol syndrome in the newborn. This often causes birth defects, learning problems and eventually behavioral problems.

This is one of the most preventable causes of mental retardation. The condition was recognized and reported in the United States in 1973. It may be indicated by facial features present at birth which may become more pronounced over time. As of this time there is no proof that any use of alcohol during pregnancy is safe for the fetus. Experts believe that a few binges during early pregnancy before the mother even knows that she is or may be pregnant can be detrimental to the child even if she completely abstains once she learns she is pregnant.

FAS (Fetal alcohol syndrome) is not genetic or inherited it is purely a result of alcohol use during pregnancy. Contributing factors are the use of alcohol, when it is used during pregnancy, and the amount of alcohol used. All of these things determine the outcome for the unborn fetus.

FAS appearance may include short stature, low birth weight and slow weight gain by the infant, a small head, and certain facial features. The infant or child may have small eye openings, a small or short nose, flat nasal bridge, smooth or poorly developed area of the upper lip between the colored part of the lip and below the nose, the upper lip may be thin and the chin small. Some of these features may occur in other conditions, or be fitting to the family background or age. There are other birth defects that may occur such as cleft palate or congenital heart defects, spinal and joint deficiency, and hearing loss., FAS is sometimes more difficult to recognize in older adolescents and adults.

Often newborn babies with this disorder may exhibit feeding and sleeping problems; they may have seizures and be delayed in crawling, walking and talking. Typically the behavior and learning difficulties will began to show up just prior to school age or at the elementary school age level. These children often have a poor attention span, they may be hyperactive, their motor skills may be very poor and language development may be slow. Commonly associated with this disability are ADHD, learning disabilities and/or mental retardation.

During the teenage years the child may exhibit significant learning and behavior problems. They may have problems with memory, poor judgment, poor reasoning ability, poor social and basic daily living skills. Studies have shown that the behavioral difficulties and neurological problems can be present without the facial characteristics. These individuals may not have ever been identified as having FAS.

Many long term and follow-up studies of adolescents and adults with FAS indicate that the average IQ is 68. But studies have also shown that the range can be large anywhere from 20 to 105. On an average these studies show that achievement levels for math, spelling and reading average between second and forth grade levels. Most in the studied group functioned between the levels of a seven and nine year old child.

FAS is a clinical diagnosis, which means that There is no blood, x ray or psychological test that can be performed to confirm this disability FAS is a clinical diagnosis based on the history of maternal alcohol use, and a detailed physical examination for the characteristic major and minor birth defects. Other genetic test may be done to rule out other conditions that may present with developmental delay or birth defects. Then these individuals are usually referred to specialist for additional evaluation and tested to determine IQ.

There is no treatment for FAS. The physical features or brain damage associated with maternal alcohol use during pregnancy cannot be reversed. Defects such as cleft palate can be corrected with surgery but the physical features and brain damage will remain throughout the child’s life and persist into adulthood.

Sadly, miscarriage, stillbirth or death in the first few weeks of life may be the result in very severe cases. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of secondary disabilities in FAS individuals which include diagnosis before age six, a secure and encouraging living environment, avoidance of personal violence, and referral for services available to those who are disabled. Understanding the difficulties, care and concern for those with FAS and the difficulties they encounter throughout their lifetime can and will help families and caregivers to provide the type of care, supervision, education and treatment required for their special needs.

Prevention is the key. It is our responsibility as parents, caregivers, or professionals to make every effort possible to educate those of child-bearing age about the devastating effects of drinking alcohol on unborn babies.