Fetal alcohol syndrome can seriously affect the health of a baby throughout infancy, childhood and adulthood. Approximately one out of every 750 infants born in the United States are born with this condition each year, and many others are born with a milder version of the syndrome known as fetal alcohol effects syndrome.
Effects
The diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects may be made at birth, and the infant may have symptoms that include low birth weight, small head size, developmental delays, organ deformations, facial abnormalities and many other issues.
Additionally, learning disabilities, poor social and coordination skills, epilepsy and more are also common in those who are born with fetal alcohol syndrome.
Prevention
While this condition can be devastating for the child as well as the parents, the fact is that it is easy to prevent. As more women become educated about this condition and are aware of its effects, the incidence of this health condition decreases.
Research and studies have shown that consuming alcohol is unsafe for a pregnant woman to consume, because alcohol has a damaging effect on the developing fetus. Specifically, alcohol can affect the development of the brain in the fetus, resulting in lifelong disabilities for the child.
The only definitive way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is to avoid consuming any alcohol at all during pregnancy. Furthermore, women who are not actively preventing pregnancy, such as by using a reliable form or birth control or who are attempting to become pregnant, should also abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages. This is because alcohol consumed even during the early weeks of pregnancy before a woman learns that she is carrying a baby may still damage the development of the fetus.
Current Research
It is important to note that doctors are not aware of a safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy or if there is a safe window of time during the pregnancy when alcohol may be consumed. Current research is being conducted in these areas as well as on the different types of alcohol drinks and their effects on fetal development. Generally, research and studies that have been conducted up to this point indicate that all women who are or who may become pregnant should avoid consuming alcohol.