Close
Babies whose mothers drank alcohol during their pregnancy can be born with birth defects and developmental disabilities. The problems that can happen when babies are exposed to alcohol are grouped together and called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These include a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems. Physicians often use specific diagnostic criteria to assess these physical symptoms. Depending on the age of the child, they may also conduct behavioural assessments, looking at the child’s cognitive abilities, attention span, learning difficulties and social skills.
Early intervention can lead to improved short-term and long-term outcomes and decrease the impact of FASD on the individual’s life. In many cases, FASD is identified by a doctor, midwife, nurse or health visitor shortly after birth. However, if FASD Sobriety is less severe, it may not be recognised by medical staff. If you are concerned about the development of your child or think they may have FASD, it is important to make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
Using the information that is available, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other scientists estimate less than 2 cases of FASD in every 1,000 live births in the United States. When researchers look at the whole spectrum of disorders (FASD), the frequency may be as high as 1 to 5 out of every 100 kids in the U.S. and Western Europe. Finding the right combination of medication and other treatments can help manage these symptoms.
Since alcohol exposure at any stage of pregnancy can harm the developing foetus, complete avoidance of alcohol is the best approach and is the recommended advice from the NHS. FAS is characterized by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), craniofacial (head and face) differences, neurodevelopmental abnormalities (including behavioral issues), and growth impairment. Unfortunately, up to 5% of first graders in the United States have FASD. The FDA has designated specific drugs for treating the symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol in babies. However, there is no treatment for lifelong birth defects and intellectual disability.
They may require special education services and individualised support in schools and may still find it difficult to keep up in a mainstream classroom. Understanding social cues and norms can be particularly challenging for those with FASD and can result in difficulties forming and maintaining friendships and engaging in appropriate social behaviour. Physical symptoms such as growth impairment remain unchanged during adulthood, with persistent shorter stature. Parent training can help caregivers learn how to best care for a child with FAS and handle any problem behaviors. Occupational therapy may also help people with FASD manage their symptoms.
The symptoms of this condition will be with the person throughout their entire life. Over time, a number of secondary effects can happen in people with FAS, particularly in those who aren’t treated for the condition in childhood. These are called secondary effects because they’re not part of FAS itself. Children born with this syndrome experience the symptoms throughout their entire lives. Some symptoms can be managed with treatment by a healthcare provider, but they won’t go away.
To learn more about the symptoms of FASDs, a person can speak with a healthcare professional. They can determine whether an individual’s symptoms meet the criteria for an FASD diagnosis. Research has consistently shown that no amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy and the NHS recommends that those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should consume no alcohol. Even small amounts can affect the baby’s developing brain and other organs. Since every pregnancy is different, there is no way to predict how much alcohol will be too much for a particular foetus, making total abstinence the only safe choice.
Input from parents, teachers and therapists is also valuable in understanding the child’s drunken baby syndrome behaviour and functioning in different environments. Many people are not aware of the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol is a teratogen, a substance that can cause birth defects and developmental problems in an unborn child.
Families may also encounter difficulties in accessing appropriate support for their children. The need for consistent advocacy and support can be overwhelming and require considerable time and effort. As individuals grow into adulthood, many continue to face challenges in the workforce. Cognitive impairments, difficulties with executive functioning and social challenges can make it difficult for individuals to find and maintain a job and affect job performance.
The facial characteristics of FAS may be most apparent in a child who is between the ages of two and ten. Some babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) that may include some but not all of the symptoms of FAS. These babies may be normal physically and mentally but have other symptoms such as hyperactivity and behavior problems. Future exploration of this association may lead to a greater understanding of the full mechanisms responsible for ethanol-induced abnormalities in individuals affected by FAS. Prenatal exposure to ethanol affects a developing embryo as early as the third week after fertilization, with midline facial abnormalities the first developmental defect observed.
