Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

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Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) seen in babies born to mothers who drink during pregnancy. This condition is caused by consumption of any type and amount of alcohol. It may have teratogenic effects causing permanent brain damage and growth problems in babies. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 0.2 to 1.5 infants in every 1,000 live births are identified with FAS in certain areas of the US(1). Hence, the CDC recommends that all women planning to conceive should avoid alcohol consumption in any form when they stop using birth control methods to prevent alcohol-related health complications for the baby (2).

Learn more about the risk factors, symptoms, possible complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Risk Factors And Causes Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy causes fetal alcohol syndrome. Even small amounts of alcohol can reach the fetus through the placenta. Alcohol could damage an unborn baby’s brain and other organs and harm their growth since their liver is not completely developed to process alcohol (3).

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. Although you may not drink every day, binge drinking at once can cause FAS in babies (4).

Dr. Anne Schuchat, Former Rear Admiral And Assistant Surgeon General In The US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps And US CDC’s Principal Deputy Director, says, “Alcohol can permanently harm a developing baby before a woman knows she is pregnant” (2).

Drinking alcohol in the first trimester is more harmful since this is the time when the fetus begins to develop the brain and other organs. Birth defects are common among babies born to mothers who drink during the first three months of pregnancy. However, maternal drinking can harm the unborn baby (4).

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Signs And Symptoms Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The following signs and symptoms may indicate fetal alcohol syndrome in babies (5):

• Smaller head than average
• Specific facial features such as thin upper lips, small eyes, the smooth area between the upper lip and nose may become less noticeable with age (indistinct philtrum)
• Vision problems
• Hearing problems
• Balance and movement issues
• Attention and concentration problems
• Hyperactivity
• Learning difficulties such as troubles with social skills, thinking, time management, mathematics, memory, and speech
• Damage to kidney, liver, heart, and other organs

The severity of symptoms may vary in each baby. However, all these problems are permanent. Treatment can help limit the impact of these conditions on a child’s life.

Point to consider

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome symptoms also include low body weight, short height, and sucking and sleeping difficulties in babies (15).

Signs To See A Doctor

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Contact your doctor if you suspect FAS in your baby. Early diagnosis and interventions help improve the quality of life in children. Seek medical care if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy and cannot stop drinking.

You may inform the pediatrician if you were consuming alcohol during pregnancy for early diagnosis. Do not wait for the onset of symptoms to seek medical help (6).

Complications Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The severity of FAS complications in the babies may range from mild to severe disabilities. For example, some babies may develop mild learning disabilities, while others may have severe mental and behavioral problems (3).

Long-term complications or secondary disabilities of fetal alcohol syndrome that are latent at birth may include (6):

• Mental health disorders such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHDⁱXA neurodevelopmental condition characterized by the inability to focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. )
• Drug and alcohol misuse
• Inappropriate social conduct such as breaking the rules and laws (criminal behavior)
• Aggression
• Unable to live independently
• Not completing school

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• Unemployment
• Poor social skills
• Problematic sexual behaviors
• Increased risk of suicide, homicide, and accidents

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.

Diagnosis Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

FAS is diagnosed based on the symptoms present and does not require documentation of prenatal exposure to alcohol. Pediatricians may refer the child to specialists such as pediatric neurologists for definite diagnosis since drugs, tobacco, and other substances can also cause symptoms similar to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) (7).

The presence of all the following conditions can help diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome (7):

• Facial features including smooth philtrum, short palpebral fissure (distance between the inner and outer corner of the eye), thin vermillion border (demarcation between lip and skin)
• Prenatal or postnatal growth retardation
• Developmental delays including poor motor coordination, difficulties with self-regulation, daily living skills, and relationships.
• Central nervous system defects

If only two features are met, partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS) is confirmed. Some babies can have alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD), which are birth defects secondary to fetal alcohol exposure without neurobehavioral or cognitive impairments. Some may have the alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) with neurodevelopmental issues and no physical defects.

Treatment For Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

There is no cure for FAS. Central nervous system damages due to prenatal alcohol exposure are permanent. The treatment strategies are tailored to address alcohol-related birth defects and developmental disabilities in each child with specific therapies (7).

The following treatments are generally given for children with alcohol spectrum disorders (8):

• Medical care for babies with alcohol disorders is the same as for other babies. They also need well-baby visits, childhood vaccinations, nutrition, and other basic medical care.

• Behavioral and educational therapy, including good buddies (friendship training) to teach social skills, math interactive learning experience (MILE) to tackle mathematic troubles, families moving forward (FMF) training to support families together (PACT) training to enhance executive function and self-regulation are usually recommended for children with FASDs.

• Alternative approaches such as massages, yoga, exercises, relaxation therapies, auditory therapy, and vitamin supplements are often used. However, it is recommended to seek a doctor’s advice before taking alternative treatments.

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• Medications such as antidepressants, neurolepticsⁱXMedication used to treat mental ailments that works by stopping dopamine receptors in the nervous system. , stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs are often prescribed based on the symptoms. Some children may respond well to medications, while a few may not.

• Parent training is often required for children with FAS since the child may not respond to usual parenting strategies. This training helps the parent teach the child to cope with their problems and improve skills.

Neurocognitive therapiesⁱXTherapeutic training addressing neurological disorders to promote the development of higher cognitive abilities. and other therapies help improve the quality of a child’s life. However, as for many other diseases, prevention is the only cure for FAS.

Prevention Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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FAS is completely preventable if pregnant mothers abstain from alcohol (9). You should stop alcohol consumption before becoming pregnant and throughout pregnancy. It is advised to avoid all alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and low alcohol drinks, during pregnancy.

“About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and even if planned, most women won’t know they are pregnant for the first month or so when they might still be drinking. The risk is real. Why take the chance? (2)” says Dr. Schuchat.

All sexually active women are advised to abstain from alcohol if they are not using effective contraception (birth control) measures. Usually, it may take four to six weeks for a mother to know about her pregnancy, and exposure to alcohol during this time can cause FASDs. However, it is never too late for a pregnant mom to stop drinking since brain development happens throughout the pregnancy. The earlier you stop, the better are the outcomes (3).

Point to consider

Alcohol can pass through breast milk to your baby. Thus, wait at least two hours after having one drink before breastfeeding or expressing/pumping breast milk for your baby (15).

Infographic: How Does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Affect The Child?

Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the major complications of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The syndrome can cause long-term problems in the child, including facial abnormalities to hearing and speech problems. The infographic below enlists some long-term effects of this condition among children.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a fetal condition caused when pregnant women take alcohol during pregnancy. This informative video provides valuable insights into its causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment.

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Dr. Mona HardasMD

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Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and...more

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Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction. She writes health and wellness articles for children and pregnant and lactating women. Reshmi has completed her post graduation in Biotechnology from MITS School of Biotechnology,...more