Alcohol reaches the developing fetus through the placenta and causes higher blood alcohol concentration levels in a fetus than in you. A fetus metabolizes alcohol at a much slower rate. Alcohol interferes with oxygenation and nutrition delivery to your unborn baby. This can severely impact the fetus’s developing tissues and organs, including the brain. You may have consumed a lot of alcohol before you realized you were pregnant, putting your unborn baby at risk for FAS. Keep this in mind during and after your pregnancy.
Symptoms can appear while the baby is still developing in utero or at birth. They may also only present later, such as behavior issues. Facial features such as wide-set eyes; an extremely thin upper lip; a short, upturned nose; and lack of lip folds between the nose and upper lip may indicate FAS. A child with FAS may also have narrow and small eyes. [2] X Research source Deformed joint and limbs may indicate FAS. Slow growth patterns both before and after birth may indicate FAS. Vision and hearing issues may indicate FAS. Small head circumference and underdeveloped brain may indicate FAS. Heart defects and issues with kidneys may also indicate FAS. Many symptoms of FAS resemble those of other diseases and conditions. If you suspect your child or another might have FAS, it’s important to see a doctor and/ or get a second medical opinion.
Children with FAS may have poor coordination and balance. Children with FAS may have intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, poor memory, trouble with paying attention, or hyperactivity. Children with FAS may have trouble processing information, reasoning, and poor judgment skills. Children with FAS may also have rapidly changing moods or anxiety.
Poor social skills including getting along with others may indicate FAS. A child with FAS may have difficulty in school or problems staying on task or working towards a goal. A child with FAS may have problems adapting to change or with impulse control. A child with FAS may have a poor concept of time.
Make a list of symptoms you’ve noticed in your child so that your doctor can more easily make a diagnosis. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Let your doctor know if you consumed alcohol during your pregnancy. Be sure to include how much and how often you drank. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Your doctor may be able to assess your risk for FAS if you report the amount and timing of alcohol you consumed. [5] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If you identify symptoms of FAS and do not see a doctor, inaction can have lasting consequences for your child. [6] X Research source
Your doctor will likely assess certain factors in making a diagnosis including: how often you drank during pregnancy, your child’s physical appearance, your child’s physical and neurological growth and development. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Your doctor may also consider: cognitive abilities and difficulties, health issues, and social and behavioral issues. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Your doctor will examine your child for physical symptoms including wide-set eyes; an extremely thin upper lip; a short, upturned nose; narrow and small eyes; deformed joints and limbs; vision and hearing issues; small head circumference; or heart defects such as a murmur. [10] X Research source
Your doctor may order brain imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan. Blood and urine tests may be ordered to help rule out other diseases that cause similar symptoms. If you are still pregnant, your doctor may order blood tests or a pregnancy ultrasound. [11] X Research source
CT scans and MRIs make images of your child’s brain and can make it easier for your doctor to identify damage to the brain. This can help her better formulate a treatment plan. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Your doctor may order a CT scan, which will require your child to lie still while a technician makes images of her brain. This form of X-ray imaging can help better see the brain and may show growth or developmental issues. [14] X Research source Your doctor may order an MRI, which will also require your child to lie inside of a large scanner for a few minutes. An MRI can make more in-depth pictures of how severe the damage to your child’s brain is. [15] X Research source
Be aware that early diagnosis and intervention is critical. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Physical and mental deficiencies often last for a child’s lifetime. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Your doctor may prescribe or suggest medications to help with some symptoms such as hyperactivity. She may also recommend medical treatment for health problems including heart or kidney abnormalities. [20] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor may suggest physical, occupational, and psychological therapy for help walking, talking, and social skills. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor may suggest placing your child with a special education teacher to help them better function in a school setting. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor may suggest counseling for the family. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
