FAS
By Josie Settembrino
What is it??
FAS stands for "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome". It is when a child is born with a range of disorders and disabilities due to the mother drinking while she was pregnant. 51% of women between age 26-34 report the use of alcohol in the past month. 53% of women between age 15-25 also report the use of alcohol in the past month.
What are the Effects??
The effects of FAS are
- mental retardation
- malformations of the skeletal system and important organ system like the heart and brain
- inhibited growth
- central nervous system complications
- difficulty with learning, memory, socialization, attention span, and problem solving
FAS Related Pictures
Characteristics of Somebody with FAS
Some characteristics of somebody with FAS are
- wide-set eyes
- thin upper lip
- a short, upturned nose
- smooth skin between nose and upper lip (no cupid's bow)
- joint, finger, and limb disfigurement
- slow physical growth
- vision and hearing difficulties
- small head and brain
- heart defects and kidney and bone problems
Treatments
There is no direct cure or treatment medicine for FAS. Things like the physical disabilities are most likely to last a lifetime. There are some things that could reduce the effects of FAS and/or prevent secondary disabilities.
Citations
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20021015
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/basics/treatment/con-20021015
http://www.cspinet.org/booze/fas.htm
http://patient.info/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome-leaflet
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/