Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can harm the fetus and the more the women consumes, the greater the health risk to the baby. This can include miscarriage, small birth weight, premature birth and still-birth. The fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a group of problems that affects the child whose mother has consumed alcohol during pregnancy. The different types of fetal alcohol syndrome disorders include the fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder and alcohol-related birth defects. The fetal exposure to alcohol can also impact the baby’s brain growth, neurological development, abnormal facial features and growth.
Causes
When a pregnant woman consumes alcohol, it reaches the fetus through the bloodstream. As the liver of the fetus is not fully developed, it depends on the mother to metabolize the alcohol. As the alcohol in the blood results in reduced oxygen and nutrients, it can affect the fetus’ brain and the growth of the organs. As the baby’s brain and the spinal cord continue to grow throughout the nine months period, consumption of alcohol at any time of pregnancy can cause damage.
Symptoms
A person with the fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASDs) may exhibit a variety of symptoms which can range from mild to severe and differs in each person. However, some of the symptoms include low body weight, abnormal facial features, attention difficulty, small head size, shorter in height, poor coordination, learning difficulties, intellectual disability, problems with the heart and problems with the central nervous system. In addition, individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome can experience epilepsy, hormonal disorders, weak immune system, mouth, teeth and facial abnormalities. The fetal death can also occur as the result of consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome are often unable to socialize with other and have trouble in school.
Diagnosis
The fetal alcohol syndrome is usually diagnosed with the various physical features that are characteristic of this condition particularly when the mother’s consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is confirmed. Various tests may also be necessary to rule out other possible conditions. In some of the cases, if the child is suspected of fetal alcohol syndrome, they may be referred to specialists such as a developmental pediatrician and a genetic specialist who can assist in confirming the diagnosis.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the fetal alcohol syndrome although research indicates that early intervention can improve the quality of the child’s development. The treatment generally focuses in relieving some of the symptoms with medications, education therapy, parent training and behavior therapy. Besides treatment and therapy options, it is also important to provide a safe and nurturing home environment to reduce the effects among these individuals.
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