Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Christina Johnson
What is it!
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is part of a group of conditions called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These are a range of disabilities a child may be born with. They happen when his or her mother has been drinking alcohol while pregnant. This is preventable. As long as the mother does not drink or do drugs while the mother is pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Some symptoms are growth retardation, characteristic facial features, such as: Small eyes with drooping upper lids. Short, upturned nose. Flattened cheeks. Central nervous system problems, including: Mental retardation. Hyperactivity.The effects of FAS include mental retardation, malformations of the skeletal system and major organ systems (specifically the heart and brain), inhibited growth, poor motor skills, mortality, and difficulty with learning, memory, social interaction, attention span, problem solving.This can be detected through an ultrasound and also when it comes out it has specific facial features.
Symptoms and Effects
More Information
The effects of FAS include mental retardation, malformations of the skeletal system and major organ systems (specifically the heart and brain), inhibited growth, poor motor skills, mortality, and difficulty with learning, memory, social interaction, attention span, problem solving.This can be detected through an ultrasound and also when it comes out it has specific facial features.There's no cure or specific treatment for fetal alcohol syndrome. The physical defects and mental deficiencies typically persist for a lifetime. However, early intervention can help to reduce it.