Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Aurora Kizer
Causes
A child gets Fetal alcohol syndrome from a mother drinking, hence the name. When a mother drinks while she is pregnant, the alcohol goes to the baby as well. The baby does not process the alcohol the way the mother does, the alcohol is more concentrated which prevents nutrition and oxygen from getting to the baby.
Symptoms and characteristics
Some of the symptoms and characteristics are, a small head, a smooth ridge between the upper lip and nose, small and wide set eyes, a very thin upper lip, below average height and weight, hyperactivity, lack of focus, poor coordination, delayed development and problems in thinking, speech, movement, and social skills, poor judgment, problems seeing and/or hearing, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, heart problems, deformed limbs or fingers, and mood swings.
Treatments
Children with FAS can benefit from a loving home. Some medications that can help some symptoms of FAS include, antidepressants to treat problems with sadness and negativity, stimulants to treat lack of focus, hyperactivity, and other behavioral problems, neuroleptics to treat anxiety and aggression, and, lastly, antianxiety drugs to treat anxiety. They also can be counseled.
Life expectancy
the life expectancy is generally, 6-51 years old
3 important facts
Fetal alcohol exposure may increase the risk for later alcohol, tobacco, and drug dependence in adults. FAS is estimated to occur in 1 to 2 live births per every 1,000 in the United States each year. FAS is not just a childhood disorder; exposure to alcohol as a fetus can cause a wide range of lifelong physical and mental disabilities.