Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) belongs to a group of disorders called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It is caused when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. The alcohol can cause birth and developmental defects in the baby. These defects make up FAS.

Causes

Alcohol can cross from the mother's blood to the baby's blood. It is passed through the placenta. Even a small amount of alcohol can damage the fetus. Doctors do not know how much alcohol it takes to cause defects. The risk increases with moderate to heavy drinking and with binging. But even social drinking may pose a danger.

Any type of alcohol can cause birth defects.

Blood Traveling Through Mother's Placenta to Baby

baby fetus placenta
Alcohol travels through this path and affects the baby's development, particularly the heart and brain.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your baby's chance of getting FAS:

  • Unplanned pregnancy
  • Failure to recognize early pregnancy and continuing to drink
  • Alcoholism
  • Lack of knowledge about the risks of drinking while pregnant
  • Advanced maternal age
  • Low socioeconomic status

Symptoms

Birth and developmental defects depend on when the fetus was exposed to alcohol.

Babies with FAS may have the following physical symptoms:

  • Low birth weight
  • Small size and delayed growth
  • Small head
  • Small eyes
  • Short, flat nose
  • Flat cheeks
  • Small jaws
  • Unusually shaped ears
  • Thin upper lip
  • Shaking or tremors
  • Sight and hearing problems
  • Heart defects
  • Small, abnormally formed brain
  • Minor joint defects that may restrict movement
  • Teeth prone to cavities
  • Vision problems
  • Ear infections

As the infant grows, other symptoms may develop, including:

Children do not outgrow these effects. Teens and adults often experience social and emotional problems. They may develop secondary conditions, which include:

  • Problems at school
  • Inability to hold a job
  • Trouble living independently
  • Mental health problems
  • Alcohol or drug dependence
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Difficulty controlling anger
  • Legal problems

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask you about your alcohol intake while pregnant. The child's growth will be assessed. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is based on:

  • History of alcohol use
  • Characteristic facial appearance
  • Slow growth
  • Nervous system problems

Some children with this condition do not have the typical physical features. Their condition is described:

  • Fetal alcohol effect
  • Alcohol related neurodevelopmental disorder

An early diagnosis can help your child get the proper services.

Treatment

There is no specific medical treatment for this condition. Early intervention is helpful, as well as a supportive, nurturing home. The doctor may recommend hearing and vision testing, as well as testing for any other medical problems related to FAS.

Professional support helps a family cope with caring for a child with birth defects. Services include respite care and parent training. You can learn ways to handle behavior problems and stress management techniques.

Programs designed to meet your child's needs improve learning. For example, messages may need to be repeated. Tasks may need to be broken down into smaller steps.

  • Provide consistent direction and structure.
  • Keep to routines.
  • Establish simple rules, limits, and consequences.
  • Praise desired behaviors.
  • Do not threaten. Violence or abuse increases the risk the child will learn to react in a similar fashion. Your child may need special training to learn ways to handle anger.

Prevention

Efforts to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome are important.