Fetal alcohol syndrome can occur when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. The body of a fetus cannot process alcohol in the same manner as an adult.
The physical manifestations of this condition can be mild to severe. Some signs of fetal alcohol syndrome include distinctive facial features, deformed physical features, and slow mental development. It is important to note any physical abnormalities in infants so that fetal alcohol syndrome can be identified as quickly as possible. As with any disease, the earlier the diagnosis is made, the more progress can be made.
Signs and Symptoms
- Facial deformities
Babies with fetal alcohol syndrome have obvious facial distinctions. These features can include small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, an upward-turned nose, or smooth skin between the nose and upper lip. These facial characteristics can be mild to severe. Facial features might be the easiest way to recognize that an infant has fetal alcohol syndrome.
- Physical Deformities
Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause other physical deformities. These can include, but are not limited to, below-average height and weight, heart defects, kidney abnormalities, small head size, and deformed limbs or fingers. As stated above, early diagnosis is the key to treating fetal alcohol syndrome.
While some of these abnormalities are visible to the naked eye, some of these problems exist beneath the surface, so it is important for babies to have regular physical exams. Many of these problems can be treated with prescribed medications.
- Impaired Mental Development
Impaired mental development is likely to be the last-noticed sign of fetal alcohol syndrome. Many children do not show signs of delayed mental response until an older age, but these delays can include hyperactivity, lack of focus, poor coordination, delayed speech development, poor social skills, poor judgment, learning disabilities, mental retardation, and mood swings.
Prevention
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.5 cases of fetal alcohol syndrome occur for every 1,000 live births in the United States. Additionally, the CDC reports that one in thirteen women reports alcohol use during pregnancy. This is the only cause for fetal alcohol syndrome.
Babies with fetal alcohol syndrome experience certain facial characteristics, physical abnormalities, and delayed mental developments. Women who struggle with alcohol consumption should consider talking to a medical professional before becoming pregnant, and friends and family members should monitor the mother and look for symptoms upon the baby's birth.
