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Health Information For Parents
Drinking alcohol during her pregnancy can cause a woman’s baby to be born with birth defects and developmental disabilities. In fact, alcohol (beer, wine, or hard liquor) is the leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States.
Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb can develop fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These disorders include a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems. The most severe type of FASD is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). It is caused by heavy drinking during pregnancy.
There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Any amount of alcohol can harm a developing fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Alcohol easily passes through the placenta, the organ that nourishes a baby during pregnancy. Alcohol exposure during the first trimester — perhaps before a woman even knows she is pregnant — can cause major birth defects. Later in the pregnancy, drinking alcohol can cause poor growth and brain damage that could lead to learning and behavioral problems.
These problems can be prevented by not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy. Do not drink if you are trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Kids with fetal alcohol syndrome share certain facial features such as small eye openings, a thin upper lip, and a smooth philtrum (the groove between nose and upper lip). Other problems include:
* a lack of coordination and poor fine motor skills* poor social skills (difficulty getting along with friends and relating to others, etc.)* learning difficulties, including poor memory, difficulty in school (especially math), and poor problem-solving skills* behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, poor attention and concentration, stubbornness, impulsiveness, and anxiety
Children with other FASDs have many of the same problems, but usually to a lesser degree.
FASDs are diagnosed based on the symptoms (facial features, poor growth, and brain involvement), especially if it is known that the mother drank during the pregnancy. In children with milder problems, FASD can be harder to diagnose. Further evaluation and testing might be needed to rule out other conditions.
A child who is thought to have an FASD may be referred to a developmental pediatrician, genetic specialist, or another specialist who can help identify the problem and confirm a diagnosis.
There is no cure for FAS or FASDs. But many things can be done to help a child reach his or her full potential, especially when the condition is diagnosed early on.
Children can benefit from services and therapies such as:
Doctors may prescribe medicines to help with some of the problems associated with FAS, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, aggressive behavior, sleep problems, and anxiety.
Sometimes families want to try alternative treatments for FASDs, such as biofeedback, yoga, herbal supplements, and creative art therapy. Although some may be helpful — such as using relaxation techniques for anxiety — others have not been tested and may be harmful. Check with your child’s doctor before starting any alternative treatment.
Children with an FASD tend to be friendly and cheerful and enjoy social interaction, but caring for a child with this syndrome can still be challenging at times. Many kids will have lifelong learning and behavioral problems.
Besides early intervention services and support from your child’s school, providing a stable, nurturing, and safe home environment can help reduce the effects of an FASD. Don’t be afraid to seek help, if needed. Talk to your child’s doctor or other members of the care team.
Finally, a caregiver of a child with FAS should make sure to take care of himself or herself as well. Support groups and counselors can be helpful. It’s also important to get help for a parent or caregiver who continues to struggle with alcohol addiction.
Some birth defects are minor and cause no problems; others cause major disabilities. Learn about the different types of birth defects, and how to help prevent them.
During your pregnancy, you’ll probably get advice from everyone. But staying healthy depends on you – read about the many ways to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
If your child has a birth defect, you don’t have to go it alone – many people and resources are available to help you.
Find out what the experts have to say.
Working with a certified speech-language pathologist can help a child with speech or language difficulties.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is when a baby has withdrawal from a medicine or drug the mom took while she was pregnant.