Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

The majority of the parents want to make sure that they do everything for their baby to be healthy and this is why they should know what is fetal alcohol syndrome and its effects on the child. This is a kind of birth defect that affects the baby from his or her birth and after this point there is not much to do to make the situation better.

Fetal alcohol syndrome facts

This is a set of mental, physical and neurobehavioral birth defects that can’t be cured but that can be entirely prevented. The problem is caused by the mother drinking alcohol during her pregnancy. It is known to lead to birth defects and mental retardation.

The primary characteristics

Usually the affected children have a given facial abnormalities pattern, signs of nervous system dysfunctions and growth deficiency. These individuals are affected by mental retardation.

In case you are asking what is fetal alcohol syndrome you should know that besides these signs the babies could also have some other neurological deficits like poor hand-eye coordination and motor skills. The children could also be affected by learning and behavioral problems including difficulties with memory.

How often does it occur?

Those interested in the facts about FAS should know that there are about 12,000 babies born with this problem each year in the U. S. The truth is that this problem is more common than Down syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

How can you prevent the problem?

The parents asking what is fetal alcohol syndrome should know that this is a problem that can be prevented 100% if the mother doesn’t have any alcohol during her pregnancy. The authorities organize campaigns to raise awareness regarding this problem. Another way to prevent the problem is to screen women for alcohol related problems.

How does alcohol affect the baby?

If the mother drinks some alcohol, the baby drinks it too. This is because the alcohol reaches the little one through the blood that crosses the placenta. When the mother drinks alcohol, it enters her bloodstream and then it also reaches the blood flow of the baby.

When thinking about what is fetal alcohol syndrome you have to remember that alcohol is in fact teratogen, a substance that is considered to be toxic for the development of the baby. Depending on the amount, time and moment of exposure, the substance could interfere with the little one’s development.

Some people think about the truth about FAS that there is an amount of alcohol that is considered to be safe. Keep in mind that there is no such thing. However there are some countries where it is said to be safe for pregnant women to have a glass of red wine from time to time.

Now you know what is fetal alcohol syndrome and you also know that you can prevent the problem.