What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the name that is given to a set of mental and physical birth defects caused by the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.

As soon as the alcohol is consumed it filters throughout the mothers bloodstream and will reach the unborn baby’s bloodstream within one minute from the time consumed. The placenta does not act as a barrier to the alcohol. If the mother drinks, the baby drinks too. As the mother continues to drink the unborn baby continues to act as a sponge for the mothers alcohol.

FAS effects are unpredictable. It can affect those who engage in social, moderate and obsessive alcohol consumption. Research also shows that alcohol consumption by the male prior to conception may result in the baby being born small and delayed in infant growth.

4 TYPES OF BIRTH DEFECTS

1. FACIAL MALFORMATIONS

2. GROWTH RETARDATION

Mental (IQ)

Physical (size)

3. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Hyperactivity

Poor coordination

Learning disabilities

Speech/language problems

Mental retardation

4. ORGAN MALFORMATIONS

Heart, kidney, genitals, joints

EFFECTS OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME

· Poor memory

· Lack concept of natural consequences

· Impulsive

· No understanding of rules

· Lack rationalization skills

· Cannot deal with authority

· Extreme difficulties with:

Abstractions like time and space

Cause and effect

Generalizing from one situation to another

Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks

Poor concentration and attention

Hyperactive

Poor coordination

Mental retardation

Problems with arithmetic are the most characteristic academic disability