Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe form of alcohol spectrum disorder or health problem in babies due to mothers consuming alcohol during pregnancy. People with FAS can experience problems with vision, hearing, memory, concentration, and the ability to learn and communicate.
Although the disability between people is different, the damage is often permanent. Therefore, here are some things you need to know about FAS.
What Causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
When pregnant women consume alcohol, some alcohol will easily cross the placenta and enter the fetus. A fetus's body that is not yet fully developed cannot process alcohol like an adult's.
Concentrated alcohol can block the nutrients and oxygen needed for the fetus's vital organs in the womb. Damage can occur in the early weeks of pregnancy before a woman knows she is pregnant.
The risk of FAS will increase if a mother has a heavy alcohol consumption habit. According to many studies, the effects of alcohol appear to be most harmful in the first three months of pregnancy. Even so, alcohol consumption, in general, will still be dangerous during pregnancy.
The mother's decisions greatly influence the baby's health in the womb.
What Are the Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Since FAS includes many health problems, many accompanying symptoms will also exist. The severity of these symptoms ranges from mild to severe and can be divided into the following groups:
1. Symptoms of Physical Disabilities
For example:
- Small head and brain size.
- Impaired vision and hearing.
- Deformity of the joints, arms, legs, or fingers.
- Distinctive facial features include small eyes, thin lips, and a ridge between the nose and upper lip.
2. Nervous System Symptoms and Cognitive Function
For example:
- Difficulty learning new things.
- Reasoning problems.
- Have problems with balance and body coordination.
- Hyperactive.
- Moody or mood swings easily.
Behavioral Symptoms
For example:
- Poor social skills
- Difficulty socializing with other people, such as at school.
- Has poor desire control.
Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
There are no laboratory tests that can prove a child has FAS. Many of the symptoms of FAS resemble those of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The doctor will diagnose FAS by paying attention to abnormal facial expressions, smaller head sizes, below-average weight and height, and the pattern of behavior shown by the child. The diagnosis will also be complemented by examining the history of the mother's alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
The symptoms of FAS cannot be cured, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve a child's development. Research says that children with FAS will show better outcomes if they:
- Diagnosed before age six years
- Being in a loving and stable family environment during their school age,
- Avoid violence, as well
- Get the education and special services according to their needs.
Don't drink alcohol!
The best way a mother can prevent FAS from occurring in her child is not to consume alcohol before, during, and after pregnancy. There is no safe amount or level of alcohol for pregnant women to consume. Children of mothers who did not drink alcohol during pregnancy will not develop FAS.
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References:
WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2022). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. [online]. https://www.webmd.com/baby/fetal-alcohol-syndrome
The Healthline Editorial Team. (2017). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome