Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Analysis

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Analysis
Introduction
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a collection of conditions that affect the cognitive, physical, and motor development and abilities of children. Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome is caused by a teratogen, such as alcohol or illicit drugs, crossing through the mother's blood to the developing fetus (Center for
Disease Control [CDC], 201 6). Depending on the amount of the toxin consumed and the period of the pregnancy, FAS has a wide degrees of severity
and therefore is considered a spectrum disorder (Plante & Beeson, 2013).
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has a wide range of symptoms that affect an individual's physical appearance as well as their cognitive functioning. Some
common symptoms of FAS include abnormal facial features, low body weight, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
(2010) reported significant differences in the way that children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome spent their time in the classroom compared to their
typically developing peers. To explain, children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome exhibited more occurrences of each type of behavior categories and
spent significantly less time exhibiting engaged behaviors and more time displaying irrelevant and disengaged behaviors (Olswang et al.,
... Get more on HelpWriting.net ...

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Research Paper
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
"Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy" (Fetal alcohol syndrome. n.d.). Each
year 1 in 750 infants in the United States are born in the United States alone, while another 40,000 are born with alcohol fetal effects. This happens to a
child when the mother continues to drink alcohol during her pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause mental, physical, developmental disabilities
in the baby, while fetal alcohol effects are milder, less advanced form of fetal alcohol syndrome.
During a pregnancy, food and other nutrients are transported to the baby from the mother, and when the mother drinks, alcohol goes into the baby's
system. Alcohol does ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
They are able to run tests with an ultrasound, and for a clearer picture, MRI's and CT scans are used to diagnose the severity of the child's
disability. Fetal alcohol syndrome is irreversible, but there are treatments for the symptoms. For example, if a child has a difficult time learning
how to walk, a physical therapist could assist the child in taking the first steps. For those with mental disabilities, like difficult with self control,
reasoning and understanding, executive function training is an option. Some women still choose to drink during pregnancy, and it is recommended
to drink less than one to two unit of alcohol, no more than one to two times a week, there is a less of chance of the child being born with FAS. as
there is no evidence of harm at this level. They are also advised that binge drinking may harm the baby. "However, Department of Health (DH)
guidelines released for consultation in January 2016 look set to advise that the safest course is for women to abstain from alcohol altogether during
pregnancy" Drinking during pregnancy is the only to prevent FAS, so women who are trying to get pregnant should avoid drinking, and those who are
pregnant should be aware of the effects alcohol has on a child and not

Causes Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is one of the most prominent and serious conditions associated with Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). There is
no cure, and infants born with this condition display facial abnormalities, wide set and narrow eyes, growth problems and dysfunction of the nervous
system.
Cause
FAS is caused by consumption of alcohol by a pregnant mother. The alcohol travels across the placenta and into the fetal blood circulation where it
breaks down at a much slower rate than in an adult's body. Because the alcohol takes longer to break down, the levels build up and cause the fetus to
develop improperly. No amount of alcohol is safe when a woman is pregnant.
Signs and Symptoms FAS is diagnosed when a group of symptoms are

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome : Causes And Effects
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Alcohol plays a major role in society today. We consume alcohol for many purposes such as gatherings, holidays, or self
fulfillment. One of the most frowned upon things that come with drinking in our society is drinking during pregnancy. Nonetheless, consumption of
alcohol during pregnancy can result in pathologies for the mothers fetus leading to growth, mental, and physical birth defects, also known as Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome. The severity of the effects from this syndrome can vary and are divided into two separate categories; Alcohol–related
neurodevelopment disorder and alcohol–related birth defects. Each of these will have a long term effect on the child. No amount of alcohol is safe to
consume during pregnancy. There is never a safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman consumes any
percent of alcohol, so does her unborn child which can lead to major defects in the mother fetus. Alcohol passes through the mother's placenta into
her bloodstream and goes straight into the baby, since the fetus cannot break down alcohol the way an adult can, the blood alcohol level will remain
very high in the immature body of the fetus for a longer period of time, putting the baby in risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. Once alcohol enters the
fetus many other damaging defects can occur. "Alcohol can trigger cell death, causing different parts of the fetus to develop abnormally along with the
way nerve cells

Essay On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
To begin with, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are caused by a woman consuming alcohol while pregnant. This happens by, alcohol in the mother's blood
passing to the baby through the umbilical cord. When mothers drink during any stage of their pregnancy it can cause the baby to be born with birth
defects and to have multiple disabilities. Nevertheless ,there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Alcohol
can cause many problems to the developing baby and risk a miscarriage.
On the other hand, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be prevented. For instance, when a woman is trying to get pregnant or is pregnant her not drinking is a
way she is preventing this disorder. Furthermore, the sooner she stops drinking the health of a baby will increase.
Not only that but, when a person has been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome some of the symptoms may include poor coordinations, hyperactive
behavior, sleep and sucking problems as a baby, difficulty in school, poor memory problems with heart and kidneys, vision or hearing problems and
many more symptoms. The way ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
As an infant, the child would have low birth weight, sensitivity to noises and touch and poor sleep–wake patterns. As the infant becomes a toddler, the
child will have poor memory, hyperactivity, and no sense of boundaries. As the child enter grade school, the child will short attention span, low self
esteem difficulty with motor skills and trouble keeping up with school. As the child become a teenager and an adult, it will have problems with
impulse control, hard time dealing with daily obstacles, such as finances. Plus, they will have to differentiate public and private behaviors. The best
way to help a person with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome would be them having a schedule that they abide by and having a close relationship at young age
with their families and with their therapist or

Essay on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Nutrition is a key component of an individual's healthy well being. Many factors have a significant effect on nutrition and it is important to
continuously maintain a balanced one. Having a good nutrition is one of the main defenses for an innumerous amount of illnesses and diseases that
can harm the body. One would ask, "What is nutrition per say, and how do we maintain the balance of it?" Nutrition is defined as "the sum of the
processes by which [a living thing] takes in and utilizes food substances." (Merriam–Webster, 2011). It is the responsibility of each individual to assure
the consumption of enough nutrients to nourish the body and to be cautious of harmful toxins. A child is dependent on their guardian on being taught
how... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The last important factor is how it affects the behavioral and social skills of the person and the different concerns it can evoke.
The science behind FAS is quite simple; as it is known that alcohol has a damaging effect on the body, it has similar consequences on the fetus. Since
the fetus is constantly developing, the alcohol causes more serious defects to the unborn child. Alcohol exposure to a fetus is known as a teratogen.
"Teratogens are substances or conditions that disrupt typical development in offspring as a result of gestational exposure and cause birth defects."
(Wilson & Fraser, 1977). Although the exposure to alcohol causes problems in the fetus, studies have shown that it may not accurately be the alcohol in
the mother's system that causes these defects, rather the byproducts that form when the body metabolizes the alcohol. This can lead to a decrease in
brain cells, abnormal location of neurons, and gross malformation to the brain. Since alcohol causes this central nervous system damage, it is classified
as a neurobehavioral teratogen, which is a group of teratogens that cause brain damage and modify behaviors. (Riley & Vorhees, 1986). The CNS
damage is the primary defect due to alcohol and it is quite common to have these damages without any physical abnormalities. The more alcohol that is
consumed the more birth defects that will arise in the

Research Paper On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME & INFANT LEARNING DISABILITIES
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition which occurs in infants whose mothers abuse alcohol during pregnancy. This problem has gathered the increasing
attention of the medical establishment in recent years. Although it is difficult to properly diagnose in the newborn infant, studies have shown that fetal
alcohol syndrome results in a number of mental and physical symptoms, such as below normal birth weight, length, and I.Q. Children born with the
syndrome are also found to have a number of learning disabilities. Some of these disabilities are related to nursing, and thus they can seriously affect
the life and health of the newborn, and may cause nutritional problems which will in turn affect ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Approximately one–fourth of all infants born with recognizable defects die before they even reach the age of four weeks (Abel & Sokol, 1986, p.
330). Among those who do survive past the first few weeks, it has been noted that ". . . only a suspicion [of fetal alcohol syndrome) can be raised at
this early age" (Aronson & Olegard, 1985, p. 137). Thus, the real impact of fetal alcohol syndrome often cannot be determined until the infant's
development has been observed for at least one to two years. Some studies have indicated that the results of tests administered to learning disabled
children at the age of three tend to yield similar results to those of tests given to the same children at the ages of ten months and eighteen months
(Aronson & Olegard, 1985, p. 143). However, it has also been stated that many of the most serious learning disabilities associated with the syndrome
cannot be recognized until after the child has already begun attending school (Abel & Sokol, 1986, p.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome FAS Essay
Could you ever imagine feeding your infant alcohol through a bottle? This is equivalent to what alcohol does to the fetus in the womb. This results in
a tragic disease known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Alcohol can affect a human body in many different ways. Alcohol can be the highlight of a party
and make anything exciting, but also can seriously alter human life. It's quite often that we see on the news another victim dead, or in critical
condition because their signs and symptoms were loud enough for others to notice, because a baby cannot speak for itself it isn't able to show signs of
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is effecting it. Most mothers would agree that they would not feed their infant alcohol through a bottle so why do they...
Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
It isn't as common for brain damage to occur in the last trimester, but brain damage is at its highest vulnerability rate 15–25 days into the pregnancy.
Malformations common to these areas suggest that structural damage commence early ( Caleekal 1). This information could greatly help determine
on how much of the effects a child will have of Fetal Alcohol syndrome, but there is still no safe amount of alcohol a pregnant women should be safe
to consume. Alcohol is a chemical that is toxic to the developing of the Central Nervous System(Stratton et al.2). According to The Sunday Times ,just
one glass of wine a week can make babies "jump" in the womb throughout a nine–month pregnancy. The Sunday Times also reported that "experts
believe this abnormal hyperactive behavior is the result of alcohol slowing or retarding the formation of the central nervous system." Even before the
actual child is born it faces problems that it has no control over and these problems will continue to hinder the child for the rest of its life. There is no
known cure for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, no medication to control the side effects, the cure may seem simple and it is do not drink if you believe or
suspect that you may become pregnant. Unfortunately, the simple cure still does not work. However, there are some ways to prevent Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome from claiming another victim. A woman who consumes alcohol

Effects Of The On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
During 1720–1750, there was a limited amount of control on the production and selling of gin in England due to Parliament. This resulted in an
increase in alcohol intake. During this period, fetal and infant death rates were at it highest [1]. The medical society did not believe consumption of
alcohol was the cause of the high rise in birth defects at the time. With the repeal of the prohibition on alcohol in 1933, doctors believed it had
beneficial effects to the point of intravenous treatments with alcohol were used to delay preterm labor. In the 1950s to 1960s, there was another rise in
fetal birth defects called the "thalidomide scare". Thalidomide was used to relieve morning sickness experienced during pregnancy. This scare caused
scientists to realize that certain types of drugs given during pregnancy, affected the development of the fetus. It wasn't until 1973, when two
pediatricians, David Smith and Kenneth Jones, whom specialized in dysmorphology, the study of abnormalities present at birth, published their article
on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. In their study, they examined eight children to determine what caused their developmental impediments. These children
were characterized with growth deficiencies, microcephaly, and impaired cognitive development. All their mothers were alcoholics, which resulted in
Smith and Jones to believe alcohol was causing defects in the offspring [2]. Many discoveries have been made since 1973 that involve fetal exposure
to alcohol,

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Essay
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) was found, named and treated in the late 1960's. The term "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" is used to describe a lifelong set
of physical, mental and neurobehavioral birth defects associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Most women are not aware of the many complications that can occur during pregnancy. Many pregnant women continue drinking right throughout their
pregnancy, ignoring the fact that they could damage, and pose problems to themselves and well as there fetus. According to many physicians FAS is a
leading cause of mental retardation and birth defects. In the United States, one in 500 children reported are diagnosed with FAS. On the Indian
reservations the numbers ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The most prominent among these are the frequency and the quantity of alcohol consumption during the pregnancy. The timing of the gestation of
alcohol is what determines the level of abnormalities that occur. If the mother drank during the first trimester, more physical anomalies are present
and if during the third trimester, growth deficiency is noticed. Drinking during any and/or all trimesters will result in a lower IQ. The average IQ is 63
in a child with FAS. Each child with FAS is affected differently. These children can have either low birth weights or normal birth weights with slow
postnatal growth. They range below the third percentile in height, weight, and head circumference through adolescence and will not be able to catch up
in growth. Many studies have found that if the amount of alcohol consumed is reduced or stopped during the third trimester, the growth is improved.
When diagnosing there are specifics doctors look for in treating a patient for FAS. First, the eyes are the most

The Disorder Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Deidra Thomas
Virginia College Montgomery –Nursing Program
5/20/2017
Professor Deandrala Huffman
Nursing 2310 Pediatric Nursing
Abstract
[The purpose of this paper is to explain the the disorder Fetal Alcohol Syndrome .This paper will aim to discuss what the disorder is ,it 's history how
it is diagnosed and the treatment and prevention of this disorder.
"Taking a sip a 'int hip
Introduction :Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing(Bible–Judges 13:7).It
has been known throughout history that the effects of alcohol use in pregnancy can be detrimental to the health and safety of the ... Show more content
on Helpwriting.net ...
2015), some specialist in the field believe the rate is much higher
(Maday et al. 2015). The disabilities and abnormalities that happen as a result of FASD can be lifelong and place heavy emotional and financial
burdens on individuals, families, and society.
Different Types of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Since the discovery of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome specialists have been trying to understand the different affects that alcoholism can have on a fetus.
As a result of these studies there have been several terms used to range describe the different effects the alcohol can have on a fetus. They are
called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Effects, Alcohol Related Birth Defects, ,and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and Alcohol Related
Neurological Disorder. There are three primary facial abnormalities that a specialists looks for in order to make an official diagnosis of FAS .These
include smooth philtrum,thin vermillion border,and short palpabrel fissures.A documentation is also made about the growth deficits and CNS
abnormalities a child with CNS may face. The term "fetal alcohol effects" (FAE)is used to describe negative outcomes of maternal alcoholism that do
not meet the criteria for FAS.FAE was first introduced in1978.There was research conducted by a group called Research Society on Alcoholism's
Fetal Alcohol Study Group (FASG) (Rosett 2013). Problems began to arise concerning the use of terminology to distinguish between a diagnosis of

FAS and FAE

Effects Of Alcohol Exposure On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Introduction
The fastest sperm has finally reached the outskirts of the awaiting egg, its sole purpose in life has been fulfilled as it fuses with the oocyte. Lots of
divisions begin to occur, what was once a zygote becomes a blastocyst, which becomes the embryo, and the beginning formation of a baby has
commenced. The difficult part is over now, right? This could not be further from the truth. The development of a human, from fertilization to birth, is a
very complex and intricate process. It is through very specific processes that an embryo develops normally, without any sort of functional or structural
irregularities. When harmful substances like alcohol interrupt these processes, the contaminated environment surrounding and ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Even if an individual does not experience any obvious structural changes, alterations in cerebral blood flow, neuronal activity, and neurotransmitters can
still be apparent.1
Behavioral malformations can include attention deficit or hyperactivity, as well as impaired adaptive behavior, social skills, and social
communication.2 A range of affected behavior is evident, with any degree of general impairment possible in intelligence, reflex development, motor
coordination, and hyperactivity of muscle.1 Core deficits that are found in a majority of cases of prenatal alcohol exposure include deficits in attention,
learning, memory, emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning, which

When a woman is pregnant it is recommended that she does not consume any alcohol. If a woman does consume alcohol during the pregnancy she
can cause a disorder called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Rank, J.). In 1968, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was characterized by P. Lamoine and colleagues
form Nantes. They reported their findings in the French pediatric journal but unfortunately it didn't draw to much attention. Five years later, in 1973, it
was characterized again by K.L. Jones and colleagues in Seattle. Unlike the report in 1968 that wasn't a success, this report in the British medical
journal, The Lancet, triggered a great amount of reporters of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Perlstein, David, MD, FAAP). The disorder is characterized by
brain ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
They also aren't always asked to take part in a game but when they are, they are usually the last ones to be picked. "Their illness isn't fatal, but a small
part of their hearts and souls die with every rejection" (An Individual's Place). The amount of alcohol that is safe for a mother to drink during her
pregnancy hasn't yet been determined, therefore the twenty–first century authorities say no alcohol should be consumed (Rank, J.). Alcohol is easily
absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood stream and circulates to the fetus by crossing the placenta. The placental blood flow to the fetus
is weakened from ethanol by constricting blood vessels. This includes hypoxia and fetal malnutrition. The fetus metabolizes the alcohol slower than an
adult, causing your developing baby's blood alcohol concentrations to be higher than those in your body. This causes problems with the ability to the
fetus to receive oxygen and nourishment for normal cell development in the brain and other organs. The damage that is done to the baby depends on
the gestational period, dosage, and chronicity of abuse. (Mayo Clinic Staff 3, Rank J., Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). The women that do drink when
pregnant can cause problems by the amount of alcohol that they consume. For a woman to drink a large amount of alcohol at one time is more
dangerous than if she were to drink little amounts several times (Rank, J.). The women, who decided to consume

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ( Fas )
Children are born every second of every day on all different parts of the globe. However, before they are introduced into the world they must develop in
a special incubator known as the mother's womb. Throughout the nine months of growth, it is crucial for the mother to consume certain nutrients and
avoid harmful substances. In many countries, one of the cognitive disorders is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). According to Feldman (2009), Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome is a disorder that is induced by pregnant women who have consumed alcohol during the duration of their pregnancy, possibly
resulting in mental deformity and delayed the growth of the child. Some characteristics of FAS include growth deficiency and central nervous system
dysfunction ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Impairment of the central nervous system results in an array of behavioral problems including hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) and
impaired language, as well as difficulties learning and understanding social skills (Thomas, 2008). In addition, prenatal exposure to alcohol disrupts the
development of major regions in the central nervous system such as the hippocampus, which contributes to memory (Thomas, 2008). The exposure to
alcohol during development in the womb, consequently damaging the central nervous system and the hippocampus, makes the child's learning
experience more difficult due to the fact that their learning and their ability to memorize has been impaired. A research study that was done by Sarah
N. Mattson, Katherine E. Calarco and Aimee R. Lang has proven that children that have been exposed to alcohol have a slower reaction time and a
lower accuracy to respond correctly to a set of stimuli that was presented. The children were evaluated using a paradigm consisting of three conditions:
visual focus, auditory focus, and auditory–visual shift of attention (Mattson, 2006). The result concluded that children with FAS have a deficiency in
visually focused attention and a deformity in maintaining auditory

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are identified as a category of birth disorders caused by prenatal
alcohol exposure. These can include physical or intellectual anomalies, such as cardiac, skeletal, visual, aural, and fine or gross motor problems.
(Callanan, 2013) Prevention would involve alcohol use prevention programs for women who are pregnant, and treatment for FAS and FASD would be
aimed at helping those affected realize their full potential through both family and individual interventions. While there is no cure for FAS or FASD,
appropriate treatments can aide individuals with these diagnoses to minimize the effects. According to the British Medical Association in 2007, FASD
is the leading ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
(Streissguth, 2010) Currently, worldwide prevalence rates suggest that FASD affects as many as one in 100 children, and a study in England suggests
that the incidence of FASD is underreported there. (Callanan, 2013) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are likely underreported everywhere, based on
this information, which makes early treatment interventions more difficult. Ideally, the best prevention for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, andFetal
Alcohol Syndrome is prevention, however women who are consuming alcohol during pregnancy may be less inclined to seek prenatal care, making it
difficult to help them reduce and stop their alcohol consumption, which would prevent the occurrence of FASD and FAS. Since this is the case, FASD
and FAS must be treated, rather than prevented. Like most therapeutic interventions, individuals with FASD and FAS are best treated early in life,
therefore most interventions are aimed at treating children and adolescents. According to O'Connor and Paley (2009), there is extensive research that
has documented significant cognitive, behavioral, adaptive, social, and emotional dysfunctions in people

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) refers to a group of physical and mental birth defects resulting from a women's drinking alcohol heavily or at crucial
stages during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was first named and treated in the late 1960's. This condition results from the toxic effect of alcohol
and its chemical factors on the developing fetus. FAS is the leading cause of mentalretardation occurring in 1 out of every 750 births. The frequency of
FAS occurs about 1.9 times out of every 1000 births according to the latest figures, and minor effects can be seen in up to 20% of pregnancies per
year. This number changes drastically for women who are clearly alcoholics. As high as 29 children out of every 1000 births will suffer from FAS...
Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In the United States, epidemiological data suggest that the rates of FAS tend to higher in African American and Native Americans than whites of
similar socioeconomic status. A survey complied by the centers for disease control and prevention reviewed more than 4.6 million births in
approximately 1,200 hospitals and showed considerable differences in occurrence of FAS among racial groups. The reason for variance among these
groups remains unclear. Among Native Americans, rates of FAS even varied between the different tribes. This may be attributed to nutrition, fertility, or
metabolic differences in the genetic makeup of each tribe. Also Native American family culture can influence drinking patterns often leading to a
higher rate of alcohol consumption.
Among factors to consider, alcohol consumption is frequently associated with drug abuse, smoking, and malnutrition. All of these factors can cause
serious harm to the developing embryo of a child. It is difficult for researchers to decide which effects are caused by alcohol alone.
To clearly distinguish a child as having FAS poses a difficult thing for researchers. They soon began to realize that they were encountering children
with some, but not all the classical signs of FAS. Because a diagnosis of FAS demands the presence of all three hallmarks, (growth deficiency, central
nervous system dysfunction, and

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder that occurs when a mother consumes alcohol while pregnant. Individuals with FAS may face many
problems such as, bad vision, hearing impairments, memory difficulty, communicative hurdles, and much more (Bergen & Yu, 2012). In began in 1981
when expecting mothers were advised not to drink while pregnant (Alcohol Policies Project, n.d). However, is 1995 4 times more mothers were
consuming alcohol in comparison to a few years earlier in 1991 (Alcohol Policies Project, n.d). In addition, 52 percent of women ages 18–34 claimed
to have been consuming alcohol while pregnant (Alcohol Policies Project, n.d). The reason for a mothers decision to drink is unknown, it could
possibly be that mothers have read reports ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Much research has supported the fact that there is brain structure differences in individuals diagnosed with FASD (Nunez, el al 2011). Research
into the brain of individuals has discovered abnormalities in the volume and thickness of the frontal lobes (Nunez, el al 2011). This results in
impairments in attention, working memory, and executive functioning that can be traced back to the frontal lobes (Nunez, el al 2011). In addition
researchers have also found smaller volumes of basal ganglia, which is a group of nuclei associated with motor control and learning (Nunez, el al
2011). Furthermore, caudate nucleus, which is inside the basal ganglia has also been found to be smaller in individuals was FASD (Nunez, el al
2011). Caudate nucleus is associated with mental flexibility and behaviour inhibition (Nunez, el al 2011). The hypothalamus, which is most
responsible for its link with the nervous system was also found to be smaller in individuals was FASD (Nunez, el al 2011). Moreover, the thalamus
was also found to be of smaller volume and is responsible for relaying motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex (Nunez, el al 2011). Luckily
studies have also found that the hippocampus, which required for the formation of memories was left relatively normal (Nunez, el al 2011). The most
affected area has been pinpointed as being the anterior vermis, located inside the

Effects of Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Essay
Effects of Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Works Cited Missing
Alcohol plays a major role in society today. It is constantly being in our minds through advertisements, whether its commercials or billboards,
holidays, or even just at the popular social scene. Alcohol is consumed for many purposes, such as celebrations, to increase romance, out of boredom,
or a way to relax. Alcohol is a drug that is depended upon by the majority of our society. Nonetheless, alcohol has verydamaging effects, not only does
it cause self–inflicted diseases resembling alcoholism or cirrhosis of the liver, but it harms unborn fetuses as well. Many women drink alcohol when
they do not even know that they are pregnant yet. Alcohol can cause ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A small brain, learning disabilities, short attention span, hyperactivity in childhood, and poor body, hand, and finger coordination are examples of CNS
handicaps.(NIAAA, p.1) Mental handicaps and hyperactivity are probably the most debilitating aspects of FAS.(Streissguth,
p.1)
Children with FAS also suffer from facial abnormalities. These abnormalities include: small eye openings, drooping eyelids, short upturned nose, thin
upper lip, and low set or poorly formed ears. (NIAAA, p.1) These facial patterns distinguish children with FAS/FAE from normal children, however
they are not harshly malformed.
A more serious and life threatening symptom of FAS is organ deformities.
This includes heart defects, heart murmurs, genital malformities, as well as urinary and kidney defects. Abnormal thyroid functioning and a decrease
in the effectiveness of the immune system are also present in infants exposed to alcohol. What about paternal alcohol consumption? Alcohol may affect
fetal development through a direct effect on the father's sperm or gonads. Studies have shown that children with alcoholic fathers often experience
cognitive abilities and have a greater chance of being hyperactive. These findings were found in adoption cases, where the biological father was an
alcoholic and the child was raised by nonalcoholic parents.(Cicero,p.3)
FAE is a broad term covering a wide range of success levels, from mild
learning

The Effects Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome On Infants
Professor Sandmire
Bio 440
30 April 2015 The Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome on Infants
Abstract
Fetal alcohol syndrome is caused when women during their pregnancy drink alcohol and cause developmental problems that can affect the fetus and
infant for the rest of his or her life. Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause facial abnormalities, mental retardation, and a significant decrease in overall
growth of the fetus.1 There are numerous studies about prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome, and its effects on physical, neurological, and
socioemotional functions of children. Many studies highlight that the risk of fetal alcohol increases by the amount of alcohol a woman drinks during her
pregnancy. Many studies also support the idea that the more alcohol that is consumed during pregnancy, the greater the severity of the associated
abnormalities that are found in the child. Because there is no cure for fetal alcohol syndrome, researchers have tried to achieve successful prevention
plans by studying several options that could be implemented. The work that has been done to try and help children who have fetal alcohol syndrome is
extensive but allows for further research.2
Introduction
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a disorder that develops in a child when a woman drinks alcohol during a pregnancy.2 It is usually characterized by
many abnormalities like deficient growth, cognitive dysfunction that usually causes behavioral and mental issues, and a very specific set of facial

"If women didn't drink anymore during pregnancy, there would never be another baby born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effect"
(McCuen 33). This is a very powerful statement. It is also a very simple cure for an alarmingly high birth defect that all women have the power to
stop. "Every year more than 40,000 American children are born with defects because their mother drank alcohol while pregnant " (McCuen 34). That is
1 to 3 per 1,000 live births (McCuen 31). Many of these cases go undiagnosed "It is also the number one cause of mental retardation in the United
States, and one of the three leading causes of birth defects." (McCuen 33–34). "Alcohol produces more significant ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
"Alcohol, like other teratogenic agents, is associated with a spectrum of malformations related to dose and timing. The multiplicity of effects
suggests that alcohol can alter development throughout gestation" (Rosett and Weiner 65). Therefore because it is not known when in fetal
development when alcohol causes neurological and physical defects no amount of alcohol is safe. The best way to prevent FAS is by abstaining
from the use of alcohol products. This sounds so simple, but for many women it is not. Usually infants born to mothers who are alcoholics have little
to no prenatal care. With no prenatal care a mother who consumes alcohol is not warned or told of the dangers of drinking. A lot of these children end
up in foster care being shuttled back and forth between families, due to the behavioral and physical problems
FAS and FAE does not discriminate against race, creed or color. Studies have shown, "In the United states one in 500 children is diagnosed with FAS
and one in 300 children is diagnosed with FAE. On the Indian reservation the numbers are much more staggering. They are one in 99 FAS children
born" (McCuen 59) "FAS is 30 times more commonly reported in Native Americans than it is in whites, and six times

What do you think about drinking during pregnancy? Do you know what FAS is? Do you want your child to have FAS? Read on and I believe you
will come to the same conclusion as I have about FAS.
FAS doesn't sound so bad, but in reality it is. FAS means Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. FAS is a combination of physical and mental defects first evident
at a baby's birth. FAS is a direct result of a woman drinking alcohol during pregnancy. These defects continue through out the child's life. One in five
hundred children are born with FAS.
Your baby is at risk no matter how much liquor you drink. It doesn't matter if it's beer, wine, or hard liquor. The chemicals in the liquor quickly pass
through into the placenta, which means the baby absorbs as much ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
; Small teeth with faulty enamel
Other physical characteristics: Permanent brain damage
Heart and kidney defects
Long–term behavourial problems
Growth problems–shorter and smaller size
Deformed fingers and toes
Deformities of joints, limbs, and fingers
Slow physical growth before and after birth

Every year, about 40,000 babies are born with symptoms of prenatal alcohol exposure (Lupton, 2003). This number will only continue to grow if the
risk of drinking alcohol while pregnant is not brought to the people's attention. When the mother takes a drink of alcohol, so does the fetus, which will
cause physical and behavioral problems after birth. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is completely preventable and irreversible. FAS awareness and
prevention is important; expectant mothers need to know the background information about the syndrome, some common symptoms, signs, and
treatments, and the mental and physical abnormalities that will occur because of this lifelong syndrome.
The term, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, was first described in 1973 ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Even though a number of things cause an IUGR drinking alcohol is one factor that can be prevented. During the first trimester of the pregnancy, the
caregiver assesses the size of the pregnant woman's uterus by doing a pelvic exam. After that the initial assessment of the uterus she checks the
baby's growth by measuring the belly at every prenatal visit, if the measurement is smaller than your due date an ultrasound is done to determine
the weight and size of the baby, but sometimes the woman may have the date of her last period wrong, which will throw off the due date
(Intrauterine growth restriction, 2012). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is not genetically inherited but rather an acquired syndrome. This syndrome is a
spectrum disorder; the child can have it very mild or extremely severe. Fetal alcohol syndrome is irreversible and has no cure; the child just
undergoes treatment for the rest of his life. A study showed that about 30% of women in the U.S. drink alcohol during pregnancy (Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome, 2011). This number will only continue if women are not educated about the effects of alcohol on the unborn child. If a woman is
pregnant or plans to get pregnant she should not have a drink of alcohol not even a single drop during her term. Phil Petrosky an Ohio Department of
Health employee says; "I would absolutely say there is no safe amount of alcohol at all during pregnancy." If the pregnant woman did not know she
was pregnant and drank alcohol, she should

On any given day in the United States... 10,657 babies are born. (US Census Bureau). Twenty of these babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Twenty may seem as though it is not a lot, but when you compare it to the fact that this number is more than HIV positive, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina
Bifida and Down Syndrome combine it creates a whole new parameter. Fetal AlcoholSyndrome is a direct result of a woman's competed disregard for
the fetus.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS, hereinafter), is a series of both mental and physicalbirth defects that can include, but are not limited to, mental
retardation, deficiencies in growth, central nervous system dysfunction, behavioral maladjustments, and craniofacial ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
(The New York Times, January 19, 1994)
As mentioned above, a baby with FAS can suffer from many different birth abnormalities. These disabilities will indeed last a lifetime. There is no
amount of alcohol found to be safe to consume during pregnancy. FAS is, however, 100% preventable when a woman abstains from alcohol.
FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation. Approximately, one out of 750 live birth are born each year with FAS. (The Journal of
American Medical Association, 1991) Thirty to 40% of the mothers who drink "heavily" throughout pregnancy have the syndrome. FAS is not limited
to any one group, race, culture, or socio–economic background. Between one–third and two–thirds of children in special education have been affected
by alcohol in some way. (The Journal of American Medical Association, 1991) Comparison of children and adults with FAS shows that with the
approach to adolescence, the specific craniofacial features are not as noticeable as they are in infancy. Average academic functioning of these children
and adults does not seem to develop beyond early school grade level. The short stature and small head (micro cephalic), seem to be permanent. The
most noticeable behavioral problems were found to be with comprehension, judgment, and attention skills, causing these adults born with FAS to
experience major psychological and adjustment problems for the

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Its Effects
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and its Effects
On a Child's Cognitive Development
Dane D. Hrencher
Kansas State University
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and its Effects
On a Child's Cognitive Development Alcohol is known as one the most dangerous teratogens. Every time a pregnant woman drinks, she allows alcohol
to enter her blood stream and make its way into the placenta. Unlike the mother, the fetus is unable to break down alcohol that makes the blood alcohol
level of the fetus the same or higher than the mother (Burk, 2013). Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) are considered
some of the most serious consequences of maternal drinking during pregnancy. Children can exhibit physical abnormalities such as a flat mid–face, a
thin upper lip, a smooth groove between the nose and upper lip, along with growth retardation, and cognitive difficulties. The affected children also
have cognitive difficulties which include intelligence, language, memory, and learning (Wacha & Obrzut, 2007). The term IQ is a derived score that is
determined from one of many standardized tests designed to assess intelligence (Lezak, 2004). Neuropsychological studies have indicated that children
with prenatal alcohol exposure have deficits in general intellectual functions (i.e., their IQ scores are lower than those of typically developing
demographically matched controls) (Mattson, 1998). Research has been conducted to determine if there is a correlation for IQ deficits

Effects Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is physical and mental damage in a child due to alcohol exposure while in the womb. Every year, 1 in 750 infants in
the U.S. are born with fetal alcohol syndrome, which is the leading known preventable cause of birth defects in the U.S. Another 40,000 children are
born with fetal alcohol effects. Some infants born with fetal alcohol syndrome have symptoms such as a low birth weight, small head circumference, and
facial abnormalities (e.g. smaller eye openings, flattened cheekbones, etc.). Children born with fetal alcohol syndrome also experience developmental
delay, organ dysfunction, lack of imagination or curiosity, and behavioral problems (including hyperactivity, anxiety, impulsiveness, and social
withdrawal. Some other symptoms include poor coordination, learning difficulties, poor social skills, and epilepsy. These symptoms are the same ones
that children with fetal alcohol effects, but children with fetal alcohol effects experience them display them to a lesser degree. ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Fetal alcohol syndrome is caused by chronic alcohol use during pregnancy, but even occasional or binge drinking can result in birth defects (FAE and
ARND). When mothers drink alcohol, the fetus receives a high concentration of alcohol, because alcohol can easily pass through the placenta, and
fetuses can't handle it as well as adults can. The worst problems are caused when mothers drink during the first trimester, because that is when most of
the baby's brain development occurs. However, there are still some developments during the second and third trimesters, so drinking even just an
average amount of alcohol at any time can cause damage to the

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder that can happen to children whose mothers drank sufficient amounts of alcohol sometime throughout their
pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a condition classified in a group called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and is the most known and severe of
the group.
FAS, depending on the factors such as location, population and race studied is considered one of the leading known causes of mental retardation and
birth defects, with 0.2 – 1.5 out of every 1,000 live births (Ismail, Buckley, Budacki, Jabbar, & Gallicano, 2010) and as many as 40,000 infants born
with some sort of disorder or complication related to alcohol consumption every year. (Mayo Clinic, 2009) The severity that the disorder may ... Show
more content on Helpwriting.net ...
(Ismail, Buckley, Budacki, Jabbar, & Gallicano, 2010) FAS is causes by an ingestion of alcohol consumed by a woman sometime during herpregnancy,
while there has been no specific amount of alcohol that is considered safe to drink throughout her pregnancy, it has been recommended to be avoided
all together. The effects of excessive alcohol consumption has been proven to have had negative and persistent effects on babies, born from mothers
who have consumed alcohol throughout their pregnancy, evidence linking that low to moderate amounts have put the fetus at risk for delays and have
lifelong complications. (Nathanson, & O'Brien, 2000) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has had the highest incidence among disadvantaged groups although
drinking is much more common among the middle to higher classes, than the poor, reasons that FAS is seen more in the poverty than the upper
classes may be related to more negative choices and lack of resources. (Abel, & Armstrong, 2000) Other factors such as poverty, previous alcohol
abuse, timing and amount consumed smoking, drug use, poor nutrition and lack of care before, during and after pregnancy can put the fetus at risk for
other health complications that have an added impact to the predisposition of FAS. (Cronk, Glysch, Mahkorn, Weiss, & Zirbel, 2004) When a pregnant
woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy it is able to cross the

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Effects
The results of drinking alcohol with a baby in the womb can be very serious. There are a range of effects that can occur to the child exposed. The
most serious result of drinking during pregnancy is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Some of the effects of FAS are hyperactivity, short attention span,
learning problems, behavioral issues, delayed development, and abnormal facial features. The abundance of problems the child will have all depends
on the amount of alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy.
Not every mother who drinks heavily during pregnancy has a child with FAS. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2% to 5% of
the population has FAS in the United States. Alcohol is the leading cause of preventable birth

What is FAS?
FAS, also known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Is a condition the occurs in a female's off spring when the mother drinks alcohol during any time during
her pregnancy. What happens is that the baby absorbs the alcohol through the mother's placenta. There the alcohol can enter the fetus blood stream
slowing poisoning the fetus. FAS can lead behavioral problems, speech problems, facial deformities, as well as learning problems.
Are there cures for FAS?
There is potentially no cure whatsoever. Wants the damage is done, the damage is done, FAS is a life threatening irreversible condition that facts
thousands a year. However, there are ways to improve how one lives with FAS. Such as speech therapy. Speech therapy helps a person with severe

Essay on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
What can happen to a fetus when a pregnant women drinks heavily during her pregnancy?
It can lead to permanent, irreversible and incurable effects that will bring a lifetime of pain for
both the child and the family. These permanent and unchangeable effects arise from a fetus
attaining fetal alcohol syndrome from its mother. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of
malformations and disabilities resulting from a pregnant woman drinking heavily during her
pregnancy. FAS is unique in that effects on the children are directly linked to maternal drinking
habits. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is currently the leading cause of mental retardation in the United
States. A baby with FAS can suffer from mental retardation, central... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
"FAS is not necessarily the result of only
full–blown alcoholism but rather it can result from drinking any amount of alcohol in excess of the
level to detoxify it thus placing the fetus at risk" (Caleekal). A mother's nutritional status and
physical well–being might also play roles of varying significance in determining whether an infant
is affected, and to what degree, by the prenatal exposure to alcohol (Berhow 364). The most
common effects seen is an increase in miscarriages. Babies can also be born at a low birth weight,

birth length, and with a small heads resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. There are many
different factors that can produce birth defects from FAS. Agent (alcohol, crack, heroin) Dosage
(how much is used), Timing of Exposure (when is it used?), individual factors of mother and
child, genetic factors, nutritional factors, metabolic factors are what birth defects are dependent
on (Berhow 364).
FAS is characterized by three symptoms which affect different areas. The three areas
affected are; prenatal and/or postnatal growth retardation, Central Nervous System (CNS) and
head and facial abnormalities (Wynbrandt 208). With prenatal and postnatal growth retardation,
infants are born weighing less the average newborn and are shorter in length. The central nervous
system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The nervous system develops in

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is an increasing problem in our world today. At least 5,000 infants are born each year with FAS, or about one out of every
750 live births, which is an alarming number. In the United States there has been a significant increase in the rate of infants born with FAS form 1 per
10,000 births in 1979 to 6.7 per 10,000 in 1993 (Chang, Wilikins–Haug, Berman, Goetz 1). In a report, Substance Abuse and the American Woman,
sent out by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, at least one of every five pregnant women uses alcohol and/or other drugs duringpregnancy
(http:/www.nofas.org/stats.htm). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) refers to a group of physical and mental birth defects that are the... Show more content
on Helpwriting.net ...
As stated before FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation. There may be mild to severe growth retardation including decreased birthweight and
head circumference in addition to continued growth retardation for height, weight and head circumference. Children with FAS fail to ever catch up in
growth during the preschool years and have a tendency to remain thin even though there is adequate nutrition. These children often have anomalies and
deformed facial features such as short palpebral fissures, flat midface, thin upper lip, indistinct philtrum, epicanthal folds, low nasal bridge, minor ear
anomalies, micrognathia, strabismus, ptosis of the upper eyelid, narrow receding forehead, and a short upturned nose (Hess and Kenner 2). In broader
terms the face of a FAS child includes a small head; a small maxilla which is the upper jaw; short, upturned nose; smooth philtrum which is a groove in
the upper lip; smooth and thin upper lip; and small slightly narrow eyes with noticeable epicanthal folds (http://www.adam.com/ency/article
/0009111.sym.htm). In the American Journal of Public Health and article called Tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy and risk of oral clefts,
described a study conducted to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy and oral clefts (Lorente,
Cordier, Goujard and Ayme 1). First of all during the 6th through

According to Seaver, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is birth defects causing learning, and behavioral problems in individuals whose mothers drank
alcohol during pregnancy. This disorder is very serious, yet it is recognized as one of the most preventable. This causes major issues, when something
so serious could be prevented but is not. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a problem because it leaves a permanent effect on the unborn child, but some
solutions could be educating women and putting up more informational posters and warning labels on products.
As a result of pregnant women drinking, there have been a profuse amount of children born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Armstrong and Abel confirm
that it wasn't until 1973 ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This shows that there are potentially fatal conditions that could happen to a child exposed to alcohol, permanently disabling them, making them slow
and stand out from other kids their age even into adulthood. There are other effects that come with having FAS. For some individuals it causes
"attention deficit, depression, anxiety attacks, psychosis and suicide threats" (Seaver). For these conditions most of them can be treated with
medication, but the child will have to be on meds for the majority if not all of their life. All of these terrible effects could have simply been prevented
if the mother would have waited just a short nine months to ingest alcohol.
Since FAS is such a prevalent problem, researchers have had to come up with different way to try and help prevent it. The most prominent solution
to FAS is making the people aware of the consequences of drinking while pregnant (Hankin). Most people do not think about how drinking does not
affect just them or they just simply don't care. Even though most people are aware that they are not suppose to drink while pregnant it is crucial that
warning signs are put up and labels are put on all alcoholic products (Hankin). This will hopefully make those that are drinking conscious of their
decisions and have no excuses for their action. Because most people

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition affecting children born to women who
drink heavily during pregnancy. There are three criteria used to describe the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and to make a diagnosis of FAS. The
first of these is a pattern of facial anomalies, these features include:
 Small eye openings
 Flat cheekbones
 Flattened groove between nose and upper lip
 Thin upper lip
These characteristics can gradually diminish as the child ages, but it is important to note that diagnosis does not change because of this. The second
criteria is growth deficiencies:
 Low birth weight
 Decelerating weight over time, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
FAE has often been used indiscriminately to label individuals with these problems, whether it not it was known they had been exposed toalcohol in the
uterus. It is now recommended that the term FAE no longer be used, instead the more specific terms Partial FAS (PFAS) be used when applicable. (
Blume, 1996) Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome NAS describes the presence of withdrawal symptoms in infants exposed to one or more drugs during
pregnancy. These drugs may include: alcohol, narcotics, sedatives, anti–convulsants and others. Some of the symptoms of NAS include wakefulness,
irritability, diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory distress and lack of sucking. (Abel, 1966) Alcohol–related birth defects that may be present to those born
with FAS can easily be identified because of the cluster of characteristic features involving facial appearance, growth and brain damage. Children born
to mothers that drink heavily in pregnancy may also have serious congenital birth defects such as :
 Heart defects;
 Kidney and other internal organ problems;
 Skeleton abnormalities;
 Cleft palate and other facial abnormalities;
 Vision and hearing problems.
These are known as alcohol–related birth defects (ARBD). The range of these birth defects is likely due to such factors as:

1. variations in the timing of alcohol use;
2. variations in the amount of alcohol used;
3. use of

Fetal alcohol syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome is physical and mental damage in a child caused by alcohol exposure while in the womb. This a group of symptoms that
appear together just like any syndrome. If a pregnant woman drinks wine, beer, or liquor (any alcohol) she risks giving birth to a child with a birth
defect for his or her entire life. It's the most serious type of FASD. Damage can be done in the first few weeks of pregnancy when a woman might not
know that she's pregnant yet. The best was to prevent Fetal alcohol syndrome is to stay away from any alcohol. Some symptoms of fetal alcohol
syndrome is low birth weight, small head circumferences, failure to thrive, developmental delay, organ dysfunction, epilepsy, poor coordination, poor
socialization skills, a lack of imagination or curiosity, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and facial abnormalities: smaller eye openings,
flattened cheekbones, and instinct philtrum. There is no cure, it stays with the child forever, but treatment ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Infants usually have a small birth weight; sensitivity to light, noise and touch; poor sucking; slow development; poor sleep–wake cycles; and increased
chance of getting an ear infection. Toddlers have poor memory capability; hyperactivity; lack of fear; no sense of boundaries; and they have a need for
excessive physical contact. Grade school–years have a short attention span; poor coordination; and difficulty with both fine and gross motor skills.
Older children usually have trouble keeping up in school; low self–esteem; and lying, stealing, or antisocial behavior. Teenagers cannot distinguish
between public and private behaviors; they have poor impulse control; must be reminded of concepts on a daily basis; and depression and anxiety.
Adults need to deal with many daily obstacles; they need appropriate and affordable housing, transportation, employment, and money

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a mental and physical birth defect. It occurs when a pregnant women consumes high levels of alcohol during her
pregnancy. The effects of FAS can be traumatic in some cases, and in others children were slightly affected by exposure to alcohol. FAS has a wide
range of effects on the fetus and infant, retarded growth, under developed facial features, slow cognitive development, and many more. The evidence
of cases is overwhelming, yet in some societies it is still an on–going problem. I am going to cover the effects of FAS during the lifespan. 1. Infancy
The effects of FAS have a wide range of defects on infancy, damaged neurons, brain structure, heart and lung development is affected in a lot of cases.
There... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In this span of time the effects of FAS are many different patterns of behavior. Including, lack of reasoning skills, do not learn from mistakes very
often, irrational behavior, and no cause and effect thinking skills. Marks older brother James is 31 months old. Though the two of them showed
many of the same behaviors and symptoms of FAS, James was older and had an entirely different attitude and problems. He also showed no
language development, but did not show evidence of emotional reactions. Also he did not respond well to social approaches from children or adults.
He had horrible sleeping habits, often waking up in the middle of the night and wondering around and playing with toys in the dark. Another problem
he had was he would not eat at the table, also would eat food out of the trash and off dirty plates. At the same check–up that Mark had, James also
showed dramatic improvement. Though small for his age, he tested at an IQ of 75. Very high for someone in the condition he was one year ago. He
was potty–trained, all sleeping issues were seemingly gone, food patterns were normal. As they get older they are developing conduct issues at school.
(Stratton pages 56–58) 3. Adolescence The amount of research pointing out the severe effects of FAS on the adolescent life is overwhelming. Social
anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and many other problems are associated with FAS and the adolescent brain. I am going to

Many studies have established that a developing organism is susceptible to exogenous and endogenous factors during certain stage of the organism's
development. The effects of ethyl alcohol or ethanol on the developing fetus, which manifest a variety of characteristic abnormalities, are collectively
called Fetal alcohol Syndrome. Ethanol exposure to the fetus causes various malformation ranging from the cellular to the organismic levels with the
eventual results frequently being different levels of mental retardation (3).
Chick embryo studies provide a relatively good model for defining the effects of ethanol at many organizational levels of neurogenesis, cell death,
neuronal migration and differentiation, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The consequences of ethanol are dependent on the time of administration and duration of treatment (3).
Animal models have displayed conclusively that alcohol can alter normal development of the central nervous system. Alcohol exposure during
development has been shown to modify brain growth, neuronal number, myelination, neurotransmitter levels and receptor binding, synaptogenesis, and
many other aspects of neuronal metabolism and morphology. There are indications of alcohol's immediate or short term teratogenic effects, typically
recounting deficits or delays in brain growth parameters, measured in the animals that were still in early stages of development (2).
Most infants identified with FAS are microcephalic, hyperactive, and mentally retarded by age four to ten. This persistence of brain dysfunction is
what causes the highest human and economic toll (2).
Several studies have exhibited reductions in neuronal number in developing animals following alcohol exposure. However, neuronal death is a
consequence of normal development. Some neuronal populations maintain a fifty percent reduction in the number before stabilizing in an adult
configuration. The possibility exists that developmental alcohol exposure may in at least some circumstances, be accelerating the deaths of only those
neurons that

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Case Study
throughout the full thirty eight weeks of a pregnancy. The most severe cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are typically linked to alcohol consumption
within the first trimester of pregnancy, more specifically the first few weeks after conception which can often be before the woman even knows she is
pregnant. Physical deformities are the easiest to detect initially and are the first indication that a fetus may have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Abnormal
facial features include small head, low nasal bridge, small eye openings, flat midface, epicanthal folds, thin upper lip, smooth philtrum, underdeveloped
jaw, and short nose. Other physical characteristics include deformed limbs and lower/smaller (less than 10th percentile) than average height, weight,
and head circumference (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Other symptoms that lead to a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome diagnosis cannot be identified at birth but may be recognized later on in life when these
features become more prominent; these would include any cognitive or developmental symptoms that may not be noticeable at birth or in the early
stages of life. Cognitive or developmental symptoms can cause problems as the child grows older and they begin to integrate into their community
and start school. A more serious outcome of prenatal alcohol exposure is miscarriage, stillbirth, or a baby born prematurely. Premature babies' lungs
are not yet fully developed by the time they need to start using them so they may not be able to breathe on their own yet. They also may not have
enough fat on them yet to regulate their body temperature or have heart defects like ventricular septal defect or atrial septal

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention: Creating Health Literacy Awareness About the
Effects of Alcohol to the Unborn Child
Alcohol consumption among pregnant women is a growing problem not only in the U.S. but also to the rest of the world. Billions are spent treating
birth defects and other symptoms related to prenatal alcohol drinking. Statistics done shows that treatment of the disorder costs the U.S. 6 billion
dollars annually (Burd & Hardwood, 2004); adjust that to the current inflation rate and it could be as high as 8 million dollars. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
(FAS) Community Resource Center came up with $5.4 million dollars as the estimated expected lifetime costs for one child with FAS disorder in
2003. This includes direct cost ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
On this list, FAS is the only disorder that is completely preventable if a pregnant woman refrains from drinking alcohol (Boulter, 2007), thus, the
government can save billions of dollars if we can educate and make pregnant women be fully aware about the effects of alcohol to their unborn baby,
and stop them from drinking alcohol. Creating health literacy awareness about the effects of alcohol on the fetus is a daunting task. The challenge
facing public health workers and educators lies in counteracting the effects of advertising to the public We live in an information overloaded society
and we get bombarded with information everywhere; through commercial print, radio, Television, or even the Internet all compete for their fair share
of the market with the "aim(ed) [to] of increase[e]ing brand awareness, brand loyalty, product demand, and consumer goods consumption." Alcohol is
one of these consumer goods advertised heavily. It is hard to compete with these giant alcohol corporations who can pour in millions of their dollars
and try to portray a positive alcohol image that can be seen by every household that has Television. Counteracting the negative effects of advertising
can be accomplished by a thorough educational campaigns geared to the public. By public, I mean

Theoretical Foundation: Contemporary Research A person with fetal alcohol syndrome can be diagnosed at birth based on symptoms and
abnormalities. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder along side with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other related alcohol related developmental problem are
"the most common form of developmental disability and birth defects in the western world" (Clarke and Gibbard, 2003). Even with the recognition that
alcohol is a contributing factor to birth defects there have been problems with accurate diagnoses. Jones and Smith to describe "a group of children"
(Clarke and Gibbard, 2003) who are born to alcoholic mothers and show growth retardation first used the term fetal alcohol syndrome. Research
conducted by Lemoine and colleagues in 1968, reported changes within the 127 participants of children exposed to alcohol due to their alcoholic
mothers. Research has continued to show that alcohol is a social problem since the beginning of the nineteenth century. The United States alone has
been targeted under the usage of alcohol as a social issue. Due to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder also known as the hidden disability because "the
diagnosis often does not occur till a school–aged child is referred for either a learning disability or attention deficit disorder" (Fetal Alcohol Sprectrum
Disorders, In). ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These affected individual tends to expressed seeing someone in his or her family who struggles with alcoholism that plays a contributing role in the
affecter life. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism "suggest that people of Asian decent have a specific type of gene that makes the
experience of alcohol unpleasant". Individuals who have this gene have a bad reaction when tasting liquor. For example, when consuming liquor they
experience a feeling of flushness and faintness, making it likely that these individual are less likely to become

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Analysis

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Analysis

Similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Analysis (6)

More from Heather Gonzalez

More from Heather Gonzalez (14)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Analysis