Read the article to know more about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. These complications can be due to underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. However, many children who receive the right support and therapies can overcome these defects and have a better quality of life. Binge drinking, i.e., consuming three or more drinks at a time, can have teratogenic effects on the baby. This can cause high alcohol levels in pregnant mothers and their baby’s blood. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2021) reported that about 4.3% of pregnant women indulged in binge drinking.
Key points about FASD
The symptoms of FASDs may look like other health conditions or problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. FASDs are preventable if you are able to abstain from alcohol use throughout pregnancy. The healthiest approach is to stop drinking when you are planning to get pregnant. Celebrate special occasions with a fun, non-alcoholic “mocktail.” Partners can be supportive by abstaining from alcohol during the pregnancy as well.
Preventing fetal alcohol syndrome
Parents might learn different routines and rules that can help their child adapt to different situations. Often, having a stable and supportive home can help children with FAS avoid developing mental and emotional difficulties as they get older. If you adopted a child or are providing foster care, you may not know if the biological mother drank alcohol while pregnant. International adoption from some countries may have a higher rate of alcohol use by pregnant mothers. If you have concerns about your child’s learning or behavior, talk with your child’s healthcare professional to find out what might be causing these problems. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the major complications of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Medical Professionals
The term FASDs is not meant for use as a clinical diagnosis. If your child is diagnosed with an FASD, the diagnosis will be for a specific condition under the umbrella of FASDs, as listed above. In 2019, CDC researchers found that 1 in 9 pregnant people drank alcohol in a 30-day period of time. The more alcohol you drink during pregnancy, the greater the chance of problems in your baby. There’s no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, and there’s no type of alcohol that is safe.
A child with an FASD generally struggles with executive function, which includes emotional regulation, organization, auditory processing, and memory. People with FASDs tend to be focused on themselves and the present moment, leading to impulsivity and trouble learning from consequences. They can be excessively argumentative when overwhelmed—and they are frequently overwhelmed. They have a “scattered profile,” meaning that their skills are inconsistent across domains and from one day to the next.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
The symptoms of FASDs may resemble other medical conditions or problems. It is best to speak with a doctor who specializes in FAS, such as a developmental pediatrician, clinical geneticist, or child psychologist. It is essential to speak with a doctor as soon as possible if a child shows signs of FAS. Early identification can improve the outcome for children with FAS and raise their quality of life. The frequency, strength, and quantity of alcoholic drinks have an effect, as well as the timing of consumption. Drinking alcohol late in a pregnancy increases the likelihood of FAS.
This means that someone else takes over the care of the child for a short time. This gives the parents a break so they can take care of other family needs. Ask your child’s healthcare provider about services in your area. Early diagnosis and early intervention significantly improve long-term outcomes for people with drunken baby syndrome FASD.
However, while higher amounts of alcohol are more harmful, there is no known amount or type of alcohol that is safe to consume while pregnant. All alcoholic drinks, including wine and beer, have a similar effect on a developing baby. These include medicines to help with some symptoms, medical care for health problems, behavior and education therapy, and parent training. It should include close monitoring, follow-ups, and changes when needed.
- It makes the level of alcohol in your blood (and the baby’s blood) go very high very quickly.
- They often benefit from medication including stimulants and psychotropics; though there are no drugs explicitly designed to treat FASD, a treatment algorithm has recently been developed.
The traits most likely to persist are a thin upper lip and a smaller head circumference. Using the information that is available, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other scientists estimate less than 2 cases of FASD in every 1,000 live births in the United States. When researchers look at the whole spectrum of disorders (FASD), the frequency may be as high as 1 to 5 out of every 100 kids in alcoholism the U.S. and Western Europe. Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.