WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a group of health problems that a child is born with. It can happen to any child whose mother drinks alcohol while she is pregnant. All types of alcohol can cause damage to your unborn baby. A child with FAS may have mental, behavior, or growth problems. His face may not look normal. His bones and body organs may not develop normally. Is it safe to drink a small amount of alcohol during pregnancy? There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. The same amount of alcohol that you drink goes from your blood into your unborn child's blood. Healthcare providers cannot tell you how much or what kind of alcohol may be harmful or safe. This is because each baby is affected by alcohol in a different way. Even a small amount of alcohol increases the risk of birth defects in your baby. It is best not to drink alcohol at all during your pregnancy. If you drink alcohol, it is never too late to stop. Can I drink alcohol while I am trying to get pregnant? It is best to stop drinking now if you are trying to get pregnant. Often women do not know they are pregnant until they have pregnancy symptoms. Your unborn child may be 1 or 2 months along before you even know you are pregnant. Your unborn child's brain and body organs form during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. If you are drinking alcohol during this time, you may cause your child to have FAS. What are the signs of FAS? - Your child's growth may be slow while he is in the womb and after he is born.
- The middle of your child's face may be slightly flat. He may have small eyes with extra skin at the inner corners of his eyes. These are called epicanthal folds. He may have a short, upturned nose. He may also have a thin upper lip.
- Some of your unborn child's organs, such as his heart and kidneys, may not develop correctly. He may have vision or hearing problems. He may also have speech problems when he is older.
- Your child's brain may not develop normally. He may have learning, thinking, and memory problems. He may also have long-term behavior problems, such as being too active or nervous. He may not be able to pay attention. He may have problems making and keeping friends.
How is FAS diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask you about your alcohol use while you were pregnant. He will give your baby a physical exam. He will examine his physical features, growth, and health. Your baby may not be diagnosed with FAS until he is older. His healthcare provider may ask you about his behavior and his learning abilities. He may also examine his eyes and his hearing. How is FAS treated? There is no cure for FAS. Specially trained healthcare providers and learning programs can help your child with his learning and development needs. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these resources. How can FAS be prevented? FAS is completely preventable. Do not drink alcohol while you are pregnant. Where can I find support and more information? - National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
900 17th St, NW, Ste 910
Washington, DC , 20006
Phone: 1- 202 - 785-4585
Web Address: www.nofas.org
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
CDC, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
1600 Clifton Rd, Mailstop E-86,
Atlanta , GA30333
Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas
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