Neonatal Problems: Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
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Description
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
is a series of mental and physical birth defects that can include mental
retardation, growth deficiencies, central nervous system dysfunction,
craniofacial abnormalities and behavioural maladjustment's, which are
the direct result of a woman's drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Foetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) is a less severe
set of the same symptoms.
In 1991, The Journal of the American Medical Association
reported that FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation. At
least 5,000 infants are born each year (in the US) with FAS, or approximately
one out of every 750 live births. 30 to 40% of babies whose mothers drink
heavily throughout pregnancy have the Syndrome. FAS/FAE is a problem found
in all races and socio-economic groups. FAS and FAE are widely under diagnosed.
Some experts believe between one third and two-thirds of all children
in special education have been affected by alcohol in some way.
No amount of alcohol has been proven safe to consume during
pregnancy. The World Health Organisation suggests that there is really
no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and that no alcohol
at all is the safest approach.
There is no cure for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Once the damage
is done, it cannot be undone. However, FAS is the only cause of birth
defects that can be completely prevented.
FAS and FAE are 100% preventable when a pregnant woman abstains
from alcohol.
The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken
from the following source(s):
1. National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
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Introduction
