Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a severe health condition that primarily affects kids whose mothers have consumed alcohol during pregnancy. It is a subset of a condition called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Studies show that nearly 1 in 1000 live births is affected by FAS.
Read below to learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Fetal Alcolol Syndrome.
Symptoms
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has both physical and cognitive symptoms, depending on the severity. Some of the common symptoms include
- Small head size
- Abnormal facial features
- Low body weight
- Poor coordination
- Shorter height than normal
- Difficulty paying attention
- Hyperactivity
- Delay Development
- Learning disabilities
- Difficulty in social interaction
- Trouble problem solving
Causes
The primary cause of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This happens when women consume alcohol during pregnancy, which may pass to the fetus via the placenta, which may hamper the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
Generally, the severity of the syndrome depends on the amount of consumption and the timing. While there’s no safe limit to drinking during pregnancy, the risk multiplies with higher consumption. Besides, other genetic factors may also be responsible for determining the impact of alcohol on the developing fetus.
It is best to avoid alcohol during pregnancy altogether.
Treatment
There is no proper cure for fetal alcohol syndrome. However, early treatment can help manage the symptoms and other possible complications.
Your healthcare provider may suggest medical care and regular health checkups to keep track of and monitor your child’s growth and development and implement several approaches to manage possible health issues.
Besides, your doctor may also recommend certain therapies, such as behavioral therapy, speech and occupational therapy, and educational support, to manage behavioral issues and improve communication skills.
Counselors and family support play a big role in improving the condition.
Takeaway
In the end, it is important to note that FAS is a preventable condition, and the only way to reduce the risk of FAS is to avoid consuming alcohol, especially during pregnancy, and focus on abstaining from it completely. It is equally important to identify and understand your child’s condition to ensure a healthy life for your child.
