Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

The term fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) refers to a cluster of physical, mental and behavioral abnormalities associated with prenatal exposure of the fetus to alcohol, which occurs when a pregnant woman drinks heavily. Babies with FAS display distinctive physical characteristics, including a short, upturned nose that has a flat or sunken bridge, small eye sockets, an abnormally small head and a thin upper lip. They also may show signs of developmental deficiencies such as abnormally low birth weight and slowed growth after birth, as well as central nervous system symptoms such as hyperactivity, mental retardation and poor motor coordination. The severity and type of abnormalities depend on the amount of alcohol consumed and the fetus's stage of development during heavy consumption. Children born to mothers who are alcoholics are particularly subject to FAS.

Fetal alcohol effects (FAE) are a less severe form of FAS. Children with FAE may have low birth weights, some physical malformations, and behavioral and learning problems.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the three most widely known causes of birth defects and mental retardation. It affects one in 750 babies born—or 5,000 children each year. Fetal alcohol effects are believed to occur in many more infants. Some estimates indicate evidence of FAE in one out of every 300 to 400 births and perhaps up to 35,000 children a year. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the primary preventable cause of birth defects in this country. It is estimated that ten to 15 percent of children with mild mental retardation also have FAS or FAE.

HOW DOES FAS DEVELOP?
Alcohol is a depressant. Since it crosses the placenta from mother to fetus, it depresses the fetus's central nervous system, affecting growth and development. Alcohol is normally metabolized in the liver and eliminated through the digestive system; however, in a developing fetus the liver is not fully formed, and alcohol may remain in the fetus long after the mother's liver has eliminated it from her body. If the mother consumes alcohol during critical development stages, the chances of birth defects are increased.

It is not known precisely how much alcohol a mother must consume for her baby to develop FAS or FAE, but it seems that there is a relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and the severity of the birth defects. The timing of the drinking is also crucial. Drinking during the early months of pregnancy may be particularly dangerous since that is when brain development takes place.

Alcohol consumed in large quantities anytime during pregnancy may lead to FAS. Daily alcohol consumption is not necessary for FAS to develop; one or two episodes of binge drinking may, in some cases, interfere with fetal development.

Even moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol effects. Some studies indicate that as little as one or two drinks each day may increase risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects, many physicians and other experts (including the Surgeon General and the National Council on Alcoholism) advise pregnant women to abstain from drinking altogether. Since the fetus seems most susceptible to the effects of alcohol during the first trimester, some physicians advise women not to drink while trying to conceive.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Children with FAS often require extra medical care, special education and assistance in daily living. They may have trouble forming lasting relationships with others and may not be able to participate actively in family or community life.

Careful attention to the needs of children with FAS can improve their life chances. It is critical that their parents respond to their developmental and behavioral needs with direct and prompt intervention.

GETTING HELP
Call your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy and you have questions or concerns about your alcohol consumption

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, © 1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.