Fetal alcohol syndrome - Symptoms, Effects, Causes and Treatment

If you are a pregnant woman, who drinks alcohol, think twice before you raise that glass to your lips the next time – you could be causing a disorder known as Fetal alcohol Syndrome that could cause lifelong problems to your unborn baby. What’s more, it’s completely preventable, because all you have to do is stay off alcohol. Even if you are not yet pregnant, but are planning to have a baby, and are likely to become pregnant, it is better to stay off alcohol. Sexually active women, who are not using any birth control measures should also avoid alcohol, because one could become pregnant and not know about it for a few weeks, which could be time enough for the baby to get affected.

The problem is that when a mother drinks alcohol, the baby does too. This affects the growth of the baby. It’s as simple as that. So it’s your drinking alone that’s responsible for this condition. If you’re a compulsive drinker or have problems giving up alcohol, you should consult a doctor and take professional help for your problem. Husbands and others close to the woman can also play an important part in helping her stay off alcohol by providing an encouraging and enabling atmosphere.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a lifelong condition that starts in the mother’s womb. Characterized by abnormal facial features, growth deficiencies and central nervous system problems, the condition leads to problems with memory, attention span, hearing, communication and, learning.

Symptoms of Fetal alcohol syndrome

Certain common symptoms associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can help you recognize it. These include facial abnormalities such as small eyes and flattened cheekbones, low birth weight, small head size, delayed development and failure to thrive. Failure to thrive is a known deficiency that is characterized by the inability of the child to take in the nourishment required for its growth. In addition to these symptoms, the condition may also lead to epileptic fits, poor coordination and difficulty in socializing. The affected child will experience difficulty in learning and concentrating.

Diagnosis of Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is not easy to diagnose because, as you can see from most of its symptoms, it can be easily confused with other conditions. There are no laboratory tests that can confirm its presence or clinical features that can conclusively establish it. In the absence of these, certain minimum criteria are expected to be met. These include small size of the baby and low weight; facial abnormalities listed above – small eyes or eye openings, flattened cheek bone- small head size, underdeveloped upper lip or indistinct groove between the upper lip and the nose.

The problems grow more intense as the child grows into adulthood, and may manifest as problems concerning mental health, obstinacy and troubles with the law. Children with Fetal Alcoholic Syndrome may have problems with their eyesight, hearing and dental problems. Mood swings, lack of discipline and deficient social behavior are some of the behavioral problems associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Treatment of Fetal alcohol syndrome

There is no cure for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The best thing would be to prevent it. If it has occurred, you can help in a number of ways. Ensure that the child gets good medical and dental treatment, eyeglasses and hearing aids, and place him/her in special school programs.

Fetal alcohol syndrome - Is it widespread?

In terms of absolute numbers, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may not appear frightening, but if you remember that it is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in the country, that it is completely preventable and that it can occur with small quantities of alcohol intake during pregnancy, you’ll have the hang of it. The best thing is to make sure that you’re off alcohol during pregnancy, and take professional help if you find difficulty in giving up alcohol during this period.