For many parents, their children become their whole world the minute they are born. From nurturing mothers and protective fathers, children are the joy and life of many parents. But protecting a child doesn’t just start when they take their first breath. For mothers, it starts when the baby is conceived. Pregnancy is only the first step in caring for the unborn baby. Complications can arise during pregnancy, whether due to chance or through a mother’s own actions, that can have a lasting effect on the child’s life. One of these is the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) refers to the birth defects seen in children from mothers who have abused alcohol during pregnancy. FAS is the leading cause of birth defects today as well as one of the most preventable. When a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy, the alcohol travels through the placenta to the developing fetus. Whereas an adult’s body can process the alcohol quickly, the developing baby’s cannot. The result? Alcohol in the fetus’ blood for extended periods of time which directly causes FAS.
Image Source: Mark Horn
The symptoms of FAS include distinct facial features such as small eyes with drooping eyelids, flat cheeks, small jaw, and thin upper lips. Children may also have stunted growth, a smaller than average skull, and lower weight. In addition to physical effects, mental symptoms include memory problems, speech impairment, delayed development of motor skills, and mental retardation.
The effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can reach well into adulthood. Children affected by this syndrome are more likely to have depression, psychotic episodes, and seizures. They have trouble controlling their anger along with understanding others’ behavior, which may affect school and work performance. Thus, it becomes difficult for someone with FAS to hold a job or even live independently.
The treatment? Early diagnosis. The earlier the detection, the more help a child can get in overcoming the condition to ultimately highlight their strengths and improve their weaknesses. The message? Stay away from alcohol during pregnancy. After all, it’s your child’s future well-being at stake.
Feature Image Source: pregnant by il-young ko
