5 ways Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) affects your baby

Pregnant? Read this before you go for that glass of alcohol.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition associated with the mother's drinking habit during pregnancy. Drinking during pregnancy has been a major concern since years and can even lead to the death of the infant. Children suffering from FAS show birth defects, slow motor skills and central nervous system abnormalities. While the symptoms of FAS can be managed, it's hard to cure the disorder altogether. Here are five ways FAS can affect your baby.

Growth retardation

The baby's weight and length are lesser than it's expected to be. The growth of the baby is also slow and delayed as compared to children who are healthy and not suffering from FAS or any other condition.

Abnormal facial features or bone growth

Children affected by FAS have abnormal facial characteristics that make the diagnosis easier. The child has thin upper lips, wide-set eyes, small head, a short and upturned nose, a smooth ridge on the nose and the upper lip. Apart from these, the child also has deformities of the limbs, joints and fingers. According to a study [1], facial deformities and growth delay diminishes in adolescence and hence, it is important to obtain past facial pictures and growth records.

Social and behavioural problems

Children with FAS often find it difficult to socialise and have trouble getting along with other kids, especially at schools. They also show problems with attention/hyperactivity. They are also at a high risk of suffering from depression, suicidal tendencies and drug or substance addiction.

Problems in the central nervous system

The development is delayed regarding gross motor skills like crawling, rolling over, walking, etc. These children also have a poor memory and learning disabilities. They are not able to process new information and have attention indigent skills.

Physical problems

Apart from poor vision and hearing problems, they are also more likely to suffer heart defects or problems with kidney and bones. They are also unable to grasp physically an object and pass it on to someone else for a long time.

One should quit alcohol the day they decide to have a baby. Also, even if you are drinking during pregnancy, make sure your doctor knows about it. If you are unable to quit drinking, ask your doctor to help you out. Though FAS can be diagnosed in the prenatal stage itself, treatment has not been found yet. The symptoms can be managed but not treated.

References

1. Clarke, M. E., & Gibbard, W. B. (2003). Overview of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders for mental health professionals. The Canadian child and adolescent psychiatry review, 12(3), 57.

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