FASD can be difficult for practitioners to distinguish from other developmental disorders since these disorders share certain learning and behavioral problems. In addition, people with FASD are more likely to suffer from the following mental health disorders: 8. About 20 to 30 percent of women have reported drinking at some point during pregnancy—most typically during the first trimester. More than 8 percent of women have reported binge drinking at some time during pregnancy—most typically during the first trimester.
Almost 10 percent of pregnant women reported drinking alcohol in the previous month. Almost 5 percent of pregnant women reported binge drinking in the previous month 4 or more drinks per occasion. Heavy alcohol use during the first trimester of pregnancy can disrupt normal development of the face and the brain. In fact, exposure at any point during gestation may affect brain development.
An FAS diagnosis requires:. A specific pattern of three facial abnormalities: narrow eye openings, a smooth area between the lip and the nose vs. Functional abnormalities may involve a complex pattern of cognitive or behavioral problems that are not consistent with developmental level, and that cannot be explained by factors other than prenatal alcohol exposure e.
Facial abnormalities and growth retardation need not be present. This disorder includes medical conditions linked to prenatal alcohol exposure such as: heart, kidney, and bone problems and other malformations; difficulty seeing and hearing; and reduced immune function. It requires evidence of both prenatal alcohol exposure and CNS involvement, as indicated by impairments in the following three areas: cognition, self-regulation, and adaptive functioning. This new diagnosis for use by mental health professionals will improve understanding of the multifaceted behavioral deficits seen in some people exposed to alcohol prenatally, and facilitate improved diagnosis and treatment of these individuals.
Timing—in what stage of pregnancy a woman drinks and if she drinks heavily just as the fetus develops a particular feature or brain region. Other factors can also play a role in how prenatal alcohol exposure affects children. Even a little bit of alcohol can harm a developing fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage. Children with FASD tend to be friendly and cheerful and enjoy social interaction. But caring for a child with this syndrome can be a challenge. Kids will have lifelong physical, learning, and behavioral problems.
Besides early intervention services and support from your child's school, providing a stable, nurturing, and safe home environment can help reduce the effects of an FASD.
Don't be afraid to get help, if needed. Talk to your child's doctor or other members of the care team. Caregivers should take care of themselves too. Support groups and counselors can help. It's also important to get help for a parent or caregiver who struggles with alcohol addiction. Reviewed by: Mary L. This usually involves a physical examination and blood tests to rule out genetic conditions that have similar symptoms to foetal alcohol syndrome.
There is no particular treatment for foetal alcohol syndrome, and the damage to the child's brain and organs cannot be reversed. But an early diagnosis and support can make a big difference. Once the condition has been diagnosed, a team of healthcare professionals can assess the needs of the affected person and offer appropriate educational and behavioural strategies to meet these needs.
You may also find it helpful to contact a support group for people with foetal alcohol syndrome. These can be a good source of advice, and they may be able to connect you with other people in a similar situation. You might also want to ask your care team if they know of any local groups in your area. Foetal alcohol syndrome is completely avoidable if you do not drink alcohol while you're pregnant.
There's no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Problem behaviors not present at birth that can result from having fetal alcohol syndrome secondary disabilities may include:.
Experts know that fetal alcohol syndrome is completely preventable if women don't drink alcohol at all during pregnancy. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Fetal alcohol syndrome. Rochester, Minn.
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