Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Kendra Smith
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Like any other syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, (FAS) is a group of signs and symptoms that appear together and indicate a certain condition. In this case, the signs and symptoms for (FAS) are birth defects that result from a woman's use of alcohol during her pregnancy.
Causes, and complications
Using alcohol during pregnancy can cause the same risks as using alcohol in general, but it poses extra risks to the unborn baby. The complications for the baby are birth defects, seizures, and heart attacks which could lead to death. There is no "safe" level of alcohol use during pregnancy.
Testing and Treatment
A physical exam of the baby may show a heart murmur, or other heart problems. As the baby grows there may be signs of delayed mental development. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant you should not drink, and if you have a drinking problem, you should join a rehabilitation program and be checked closely by a heath care provider throughout pregnancy.
Life outlook
The out come for infants with fetal alcohol syndrome varies. Almost any baby with (FAS) will not have a normal brain development.
Works cited
"Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. Ed. Neil K. Kaneshiro. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. 13 Oct. 2015. <https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000911.htm>.