Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) is an umbrella term which is used to describe the range of effects or conditions that can occur in individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. The causes for FASD are exposure to alcohol during prenatal period and few drinks during critical phases of development. The alcohol-related birth defects include Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe diagnosis on the spectrum of alcohol related disorders which is a leading preventable cause of mental retardation. It is pattern of physical, psychological, abnormalities and developmental seen in babies born to mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy. The abnormalities encompass of mental retardation, low birth weight, facial deformities, association with impulsive behavior and anxiousness, and an inability on the part of the affected children to understand the consequences of their actions. The facial characteristics of FAS are small head circumference, small eye openings, wild philtrum and thin upper-lip and other features like central nervous system damage, organ deformities, skeletal abnormalities, and behavioral problems.
Fetal alcohol effects (FAE) is not easily identifiable as FAS because there may be fewer physical abnormalities, however knowledge of maternal use of alcohol makes it certain that brain damage has occurred. Children with alcohol-related birth defects usually have attention deficits, language and learning difficulties, impulsive behavior and poor judgment. Exposure of alcohol in prenatal stage can permanently damage the brain by affecting the important structures like cerebellum and corpus callosum. Excessive alcohol exposure can cause damage during all stages of prenatal development
The amount and timing of maternal alcohol use will determine the type and extent of resulting birth defects. FAS affects 1 to 2 babies per 1,000 born worldwide. Alcohol-related birth defects are 100% preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol while she is pregnant. Alcohol-related birth defects last a lifetime.